TL;DR
System files that could enable Quick Share-to-AirDrop on the Pixel 9 series have been spotted in an early 2026 Android Canary build, but the capability is not yet reported to work. The Pixel 9a appears to be an exception, and Google has not confirmed timing for a public rollout.
What happened
In November 2025 Google added cross-platform support between Android's Quick Share and Apple's AirDrop for Pixel 10 devices. Now, code fragments related to that interoperability have been identified for the Pixel 9 family inside the first Android Canary build of 2026 (build ZP11.251212.007), according to reporting based on filesystem inspection. The Pixel 9a's Canary image does not contain the same files, suggesting Google may limit support to non-A-series Pixel 9s. Importantly, observers emphasize that only the necessary system files were found; there are no confirmations the Quick Share-AirDrop workflow is operational on Pixel 9 units yet. The feature also remains absent from Pixel 8 and older models in current builds. Separately, AirDrop sharing is not present on Pixel 9 when running the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, leaving the actual release window—whether in a March 2026 QPR or in a later Android 17 update—uncertain.
Why it matters
- If activated, it would let Pixel users send and receive files directly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs without third-party apps.
- Broader Quick Share-AirDrop support could reduce device-compatibility friction between Android and iOS ecosystems.
- Limiting support to selected Pixel models would affect owners differently, with A-series devices potentially left out.
- The presence of system files in Canary builds signals development progress but does not guarantee public availability or timing.
Key facts
- Google enabled Quick Share compatibility with AirDrop for Pixel 10 devices in November 2025.
- Android Authority found relevant system files for Quick Share-AirDrop in Android Canary build ZP11.251212.007 for the Pixel 9 series.
- The Pixel 9a's build reportedly lacks the files that appeared for other Pixel 9 models.
- Only the files were observed in the Canary build; cross-platform sharing has not been reported to work on Pixel 9 yet.
- The feature is currently unavailable on Pixel 8 and older models, according to the report.
- AirDrop sharing is not present on Pixel 9 in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.
- Google has said it plans to expand AirDrop support to more 'Android devices,' but rollout specifics are not provided.
What to watch next
- Whether the filesystem additions in Android Canary translate into a functioning Quick Share-AirDrop feature on Pixel 9 units — not confirmed in the source.
- If Google will include the capability in Android 16 QPR3 (expected March 2026) or defer it to Android 17 — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the Pixel 9a will be excluded from the rollout and whether Pixel 8 and older models will later receive support — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- AirDrop: Apple's wireless file-sharing feature that lets iPhones, iPads, and Macs send files to nearby Apple devices over Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi.
- Quick Share: Google's Android feature for sharing files wirelessly between nearby Android devices, often using Wi‑Fi Direct and Bluetooth for discovery.
- Android Canary: An early, experimental build channel for Android where new code and features appear before wider beta or stable releases; typically unstable.
- Quarterly Platform Release (QPR): A periodic Android update that provides feature drops and fixes between major Android version releases.
Reader FAQ
Can the Pixel 9 currently send or receive files with AirDrop?
Not confirmed in the source — system files enabling the feature were found in a Canary build, but functional cross‑platform transfers have not been reported.
Will the Pixel 9a get AirDrop support?
The Pixel 9a's Canary build lacks the relevant files, so inclusion is unclear and not confirmed in the source.
When will this feature roll out broadly?
Not confirmed in the source — it could appear in a future Android 16 QPR or later with Android 17, but Google has not announced timing.
Will non‑Pixel Android phones receive Quick Share-AirDrop compatibility?
Google said it plans to expand AirDrop support to more 'Android devices,' but specific device lists or timelines are not confirmed in the source.
Google Pixel 9 gains AirDrop support, but you’ll have to wait Credit: Lucas Gouveia/Android Police By Rajesh Pandey Published 6 minutes ago Rajesh started following the latest happenings in the world…
Sources
- Google Pixel 9 gains AirDrop support, but you’ll have to wait
- Android Quick Share can now work with iOS's AirDrop
- I'm amazed by Google's bold Pixel AirDrop move, but …
- Google Brings AirDrop Compatibility to Android's Quick …
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