We may earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
Galaxy S26 and iPhone 17 Pro users will soon be able to exchange files more easily. | Image by PhoneArena
AirDrop has been one of the hallmark features of Apple’s walled garden, as it allows seamless file transfers between the company’s devices. Last year, Google cracked the feature and made it compatible with Android’s Quick Share, but only on its own Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 devices. Now, another brand may get AirDrop compatibility for some of its devices.
Samsung will soon bring AirDrop compatibility to the Galaxy S26
Samsung will add AirDrop support to the Galaxy S26 series devices in the near future. According to an EBN News report (translated source), the COO of Samsung’s mobile division, Choi Won-Joon, talked about the feature during a recent press conference in Japan. The executive said that the company plans to support AirDrop soon.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra is now available for up to $720 off
$579
99
$1299
99
$720 off (55%)
The Galaxy S26 Ultra has been announced, bringing a Privacy Screen feature, insanely fast processor, and multiple Galaxy AI enhancements. Right now, you can save up to $720 at the Samsung Store with eligible trade-ins. You also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with your purchase. Alternatively, you can get $150 credit for add-ons, no trade-in required.
The Galaxy S26+ is now available for up to $480 off
$619
99
$1099
99
$480 off (44%)
The Galaxy S26+ is here, bringing improved software and a more powerful processor. The device can now be yours for up to $480 off with eligible device trade-ins. Users also get 15% off the Buds 4 series with their purchase. The official store gives you a $150 credit for add-ons without trade-ins.
The Galaxy S26 is currently available at the Samsung Store with an exciting trade-in discount. Right now, you can buy the model with a $380 maximum price cut. Samsung also gives you 15% off the Galaxy Buds 4 or the Buds 4 Pro with your smartphone purchase.
We plan to support AirDrop compatibility starting with the Galaxy S26.
Choi Won-Joon, COO at Samsung Mobile, March 2026
Samsung’s executive said that the feature will be added to the company’s latest flagship devices through a future software update. He didn’t give a specific time frame for the update, but that’s likely coming sooner rather than later.
Recommended For You
Switching to a Galaxy made easier
Transferring files from the Galaxy S26 Ultra to an iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently quite difficult. | Image by PhoneArena
Samsung’s goal with the change is to make it easier for iPhone users to switch to a Galaxy device. Currently, sharing files between Galaxy phones and Apple devices is a cumbersome process. There are workarounds that require third-party apps or web-based tools, but they’re slow and difficult to use.
AirDrop, on the other hand, allows file transfers with just a few taps. The best part of the feature is that it works with all sorts of files, and it makes the process fast and seamless. Google’s Quick Share feature works similarly, but until recently it could only be used between Android devices.
Would AirDrop support on Android phones make you switch your phone?
Last year, Google made Quick Share compatible with AirDrop, including on iPad and Mac devices, without Apple’s knowledge or assistance. Earlier this month, Oppo also announced it will add the feature to its Find X9 series devices by the end of March. Samsung is likely going to rely on Google’s solution, as it's almost certainly not getting any help from Apple. Apple hasn’t commented on Google’s move, nor has it blocked the compatibility.
Hopefully it will trickle down to other devices
It is only natural for Samsung to add such a feature to its latest and greatest devices. I only hope the company makes it available to other Galaxy phones, including its mid-range models. However, I doubt that AirDrop support will make any iPhone user switch to Galaxy, not to mention the possibility of Apple patching the loophole now that Samsung is joining the AirDrop party.
$5/mo off for 5 years on Visible premium plans
$30
/mo
$35
$5 off (14%)
New members get $5/mo off the $35/mo Visible+ plan or $5/mo off the $45/mo Visible+ Pro plan for the first 60 months when they port-in from an eligible carrier. Use code 5OFF5 at checkout to save up to $300.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: