The National Times - Google expands easier file sharing between Android phones and Apple devices

Weather - Sydney 23°C

Google expands easier file sharing between Android phones and Apple devices

TECHNOLOGY 28.08.2026

Google expands easier file sharing between Android phones and Apple devices

Recent Android updates make it easier to send files to iPhones through AirDrop-compatible Quick Share or a QR-code fallback.

Change text size:

Google has expanded cross-platform file sharing on Android, allowing more users to transfer photos, links, contacts and other files directly between Android phones and Apple devices without installing a separate app.On newer supported Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, Android's Quick Share can communicate with Apple's AirDrop. Samsung users may need to enable the option to share with Apple devices in the Connected devices settings, while the iPhone must make AirDrop available to everyone for 10 minutes. Transfers can work in both directions when the Android device is configured to receive from nearby devices.For Android phones that do not support the direct AirDrop connection, Google has added a QR-code option through Quick Share. The Android phone creates a code that can be scanned by an iPhone camera, opening a temporary Google download page for the selected files.Google says files shared through the QR method remain in the cloud for 24 hours and do not count against the sender's Google Drive storage allowance. A single session can contain up to 1,000 files and can be shared with as many as 20 iPhones, iPads or Macs.Email, cross-platform messaging services and cloud-storage platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox remain alternative methods. Standard Bluetooth file transfer is not available between Android and iPhone because Apple restricts that function on iOS, even though Bluetooth can still be used for accessories such as headphones.

M.Davis--TNT

Featured

US Government Questions Effectiveness of Waymo’s School Bus Software Fix

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining whether a software update issued by Waymo effectively resolved safety issues involving its autonomous vehicles improperly passing stopped school buses. Federal regulators found that the majority of such incidents occurred after the company claimed to have fixed the problem, prompting a formal inquiry into the recall's efficacy.

Sweet As app launches restaurant discovery platform

Tired of Google and Instagram serving the same predictable restaurant recommendations? Or waiting on friends to finally text back with a suggestion?

The Sourdough Sidekick Review: Can an Automated Feeder Save Your Starter?

Maintaining a sourdough starter as a working parent can feel like caring for another pet. To address this challenge, King Arthur Baking Company and GE Appliances developed the Sourdough Sidekick, an automated feeder that dispenses flour and water on a schedule. After three weeks of testing, the device successfully ended a yearlong baking dry spell, though it requires careful initial setup to function correctly.

Nvidia chief faces inquiry after disclosing affair with suspected Chinese agent

Jensen Huang, CEO of tech giant Nvidia, has publicly admitted to an affair with a suspected Chinese spy. The company is one of the most valuable in the world and is at the centre of China's AI race, producing the most advanced AI chips ever seen.

Change text size: