Samsung expands AirDrop support to more Galaxy devices with One UI 8.5 beta

At a glance:

• Samsung is expanding AirDrop over Quick Share support to 10 new Galaxy smartphones
• The feature requires installation of the One UI 8.5 beta software update
• This expansion includes both 2025 and 2024 flagship models, wider than Google's Pixel support

What is AirDrop over Quick Share?

AirDrop over Quick Share is Samsung's implementation of Apple's AirDrop functionality, allowing seamless file sharing between Galaxy devices and Apple products. This cross-platform compatibility addresses a long-standing limitation in the Android ecosystem, where users often struggled to share files between different operating systems. The feature first arrived on Google's Pixel phones last year and made its debut on Samsung's Galaxy S26 series just last month. Now, Samsung is rapidly expanding support to a broader range of devices, demonstrating the company's commitment to improving interoperability between its ecosystem and Apple's.

Samsung's implementation of AirDrop over Quick Share represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between iOS and Android ecosystems. By adopting a technology popularized by Apple, Samsung is acknowledging the importance of cross-platform compatibility in today's multi-device world. This move not only enhances the user experience for Galaxy owners but also positions Samsung as a forward-thinking manufacturer willing to adapt its ecosystem to meet user needs, even if that means incorporating features from competitors.

Which Galaxy devices are supported?

Samsung has confirmed that 10 new Galaxy smartphones will receive AirDrop over Quick Share support this week. The list includes both 2025 and 2024 flagship models, showcasing Samsung's commitment to extending this functionality across its recent premium lineup. Supported devices include the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, Z Fold 7, Z Flip 5, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6. This comprehensive coverage means that most high-end Galaxy users will soon be able to share files with Apple devices without relying on third-party applications or cloud services.

The breadth of supported devices is particularly noteworthy, as it includes not only traditional smartphones but also Samsung's foldable lineup. This indicates that Samsung is treating AirDrop over Quick Share as a core feature across its entire premium device portfolio. The inclusion of both current-generation and previous-generation flagships suggests that Samsung is committed to making this functionality available to a wide range of users, rather than limiting it to the newest devices. However, the company has not yet confirmed whether future "FE" (Fan Edition) models like the Galaxy S25 FE and S24 FE will receive this support, leaving some uncertainty for users of these devices.

How to get the feature

To access AirDrop over Quick Share, Galaxy device owners must install the One UI 8.5 beta, which Samsung has made widely available through the Samsung Members app. The beta program allows early access to new features but comes with certain risks, including potential bugs, app compatibility issues, and other concerns typical of pre-release software. For users eager to experience the new functionality, however, the installation process is straightforward. Samsung has detailed instructions for joining the beta program, which typically involves downloading the Samsung Members app, navigating to the beta section, and following the on-screen prompts to enroll the device.

While the beta program provides early access to new features, users should be aware that beta software may not be as stable as the final release version. Those who choose to install the One UI 8.5 beta should be prepared to potentially encounter issues such as unexpected app crashes, reduced battery life, or other performance problems. Additionally, beta testers are encouraged to provide feedback to Samsung through the Samsung Members app to help identify and resolve issues before the final release. For users who prefer a more stable experience, waiting for the official release of One UI 8.5 would be the recommended approach, though this means delaying access to AirDrop over Quick Share functionality.

Why this expansion matters

The expansion of AirDrop support to more Galaxy devices represents a significant step toward improving cross-platform compatibility in the mobile ecosystem. For Samsung users, this means being able to share files, photos, and other content with Apple device owners without the friction that has historically existed between these platforms. This interoperability is particularly valuable in environments where both Android and iOS devices are commonly used, such as in households or workplaces with mixed device ecosystems. By implementing this feature, Samsung is not only enhancing its own value proposition but also contributing to a more seamless user experience across different operating systems.

From a strategic perspective, Samsung's decision to expand AirDrop support reflects a broader industry trend toward ecosystem openness and interoperability. As users increasingly own multiple devices from different manufacturers, the ability to seamlessly share content and services across platforms becomes increasingly important. Samsung's adoption of Apple's AirDrop technology demonstrates a willingness to prioritize user experience over maintaining strict ecosystem boundaries. This approach could help Samsung differentiate itself from other Android manufacturers and potentially attract users who value the flexibility of cross-platform compatibility.

Potential limitations and considerations

While the expansion of AirDrop support is welcome news for Galaxy users, there are several factors to consider. First, the requirement to install a beta version of One UI 8.5 means that the feature may not be as stable as the final release version. Beta software can introduce unexpected bugs, affect battery life, or cause compatibility issues with certain applications. Additionally, Samsung has not yet confirmed whether future "FE" (Fan Edition) models like the Galaxy S25 FE and S24 FE will receive this support, leaving some uncertainty for users of these devices. Finally, while the current list of supported devices is comprehensive, it remains to be seen whether Samsung will extend this functionality to mid-range or older Galaxy models in the future.

Another consideration is the performance and reliability of AirDrop over Quick Share compared to Apple's native implementation. While Samsung has demonstrated its ability to replicate the basic functionality, there may be differences in transfer speeds, range, or ease of use. Early adopters should be prepared to evaluate whether the implementation meets their expectations and provides a truly seamless experience. Additionally, as with any new feature, there may be privacy or security considerations that emerge as more users begin to utilize the functionality. Samsung will need to ensure that its implementation maintains appropriate security standards to protect user data during file transfers.

What's next for Samsung's ecosystem

The rapid expansion of AirDrop support suggests that Samsung is prioritizing cross-platform compatibility as a key feature of its mobile ecosystem. This initiative could be part of a broader strategy to enhance the appeal of Galaxy devices in a market where many users own multiple devices from different manufacturers. Looking ahead, it's reasonable to expect Samsung to continue expanding this functionality to more devices and potentially integrate it with other ecosystem features like Samsung DeX or SmartThings. The company may also focus on improving the speed and reliability of file transfers to match or exceed Apple's native AirDrop experience, further bridging the gap between its ecosystem and Apple's.

Samsung's commitment to cross-platform compatibility may extend beyond just file sharing. As the company continues to develop its ecosystem, we could see additional features that facilitate interaction between Galaxy devices and other platforms. This might include enhanced integration with Windows PCs, support for more third-party services, or even compatibility with non-Apple wearables. By taking such steps, Samsung could position itself as the most Android-friendly manufacturer for users who value interoperability, potentially gaining a competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded market.