Your older Pixel is about to talk to iPhones way better than before

Credit: Lucas Gouveia/Android Police Published Sep 5, 2026, 5:21 AM EDT I've been writing about Android since 2011, with a focus on device reviews, Samsung and Google Pixel hardware, and the latest happenings in the ecosystem. In my entire writing career, I've reviewed more than 75 Android phones. Carrying both a Samsung or Pixel flagship and an iPhone as a daily driver provides me with deep insight into how Android works and how it compares to iOS. I have been writing for Android Police since 2021, covering news, how-tos, and features. You can find my previous work on Neowin, AndroidBeat, Times of India, iPhoneHacks, MySmartPrice, and MakeUseOf. When not working, I tend to mindlessly scroll through X, play with new AI models, or go on long road trips. You can reach out to me on X or drop a mail at rajesh@androidpolice.com. Sign in to your Android Police account Ten months ago, Google pulled off the impossible by bringing AirDrop support to Quick Share. Initially limited to the Pixel 10 family, the company slowly expanded AirDrop support to Pixel 9 and other non-Pixel devices. It rolled out the feature to its budget Pixel phones with the June 2026 Feature Drop, leaving the Pixel 8 and Pixel Tablet as the glaring exceptions. But Google seems to be finally closing those gaps. Some Google Pixel Tablet and Pixel 8 owners report AirDrop functionality in Quick Share working on their devices (via Reddit). It's unclear if the rollout is linked to a Google Play Services update or the latest September Feature Drop. In any case, if you use an older Pixel, including the Pixel 7 or Pixel Tablet, you should see a notification in the Quick Share menu if AirDrop support is available on your device. Based on user reports, it does not seem like a widespread rollout. But that should change in the coming days. You can try updating Google Play Services and other associated hidden Google services to see if that triggers AirDrop support on your Pixel. Also, make sure to check that there are no pending updates available for the Quick Share extension from Settings > Google services and preferences > All services > Privacy & security > System services. After that, initiate a Quick Share transfer with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby. AirDrop support is showing up, but it may not work yet Credit: Hannah Stryker / Lucas Gouveia / Android Police Google has yet to officially confirm AirDrop support for older Pixels. There are also reports from some Pixel 7 and 8 users that the feature does not work, despite the notification appearing for them (via Android Authority). While AirDrop support may not seem like a big deal, it helps reduce the unwanted friction when sharing files with friends and family using Apple devices. The best part is that Quick Share integration ensures the transfer process is seamless and does not require an additional app on either device. If Google is indeed bringing AirDrop support to the Pixel Tablet, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 8 series, the Pixel 6 lineup would be the only Tensor-powered Pixel family to not get some AirDrop love.