US media Android Authority reported that Google has begun expanding the interconnection function that connects Android’s sharing function “Quick Share” and Apple’s “AirDrop” to the older Pixel 7 series and Pixel 8 series.
If the scope expands, it will be possible to directly exchange photos and documents even between Pixel and iPhone from several generations ago. However, at the moment, there are reports that the function cannot be used even when notifications are received, so it seems that the operation is not stable yet.
AirDrop compatibility expands to Pixel 7/8
According to Android Authority, Pixel 7 series and Pixel 8 series users recently reported receiving a notification informing them that AirDrop interconnection functionality has been enabled. The addition of the same function to the Pixel Tablet was previously confirmed, and this is a move that shows that Google is gradually expanding the range of support.
Google first began providing AirDrop compatibility for the Pixel 10 series in the fall of 2025, and has since expanded to include the Pixel 8a series.
iPhone Mania reported a list of Android models that can use AirDrop in June 2026, but at that time, Google’s smartphones were Pixel 8a and later, and the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series were not included. This report shows that the list is expanding further into older models.
Reported cases where notifications are received but cannot be used.
On the other hand, there seems to be some instability in this development. Some users have complained that they can’t actually interact with AirDrop, even though they received notifications of new features.
Android Authority points out that operation on older models may not be stable yet, or Google may be distributing notifications and the feature itself separately. Please note that even if you receive a notification on your Pixel 7/8, you may not be able to use it for a while.
You need to change the reception settings on the iPhone side.
To send files from Pixel to iPhone, you need to set the AirDrop reception range on the iPhone to “Everyone (10 minutes only)”. You can change it by opening “AirDrop” from “General” in the Settings app, and it will automatically return to the original setting after 10 minutes.
Once you’re ready to receive photos, you can select the other person’s iPhone from the Quick Share sharing screen on your Pixel, and you can send photos and documents directly without using mobile communication.
Usage in Japan will be pending until distribution.
This feature appears to be distributed in stages through software updates, and is expected to also apply to the Pixel 7/8 series sold in Japan. However, the delivery time varies depending on the device, so it is best to first check whether the notification has arrived on your Pixel.
In recent years, Google has repeatedly provided new features to the Pixel 10 series and then rolled them out to older models. When Google Maps’ power saving mode was first released to the Pixel 10 series, it was reported that it was expected to be gradually rolled out to other models. The AirDrop compatible function follows the same trend, and the number of compatible devices is expected to increase in the future.
File sharing between iPhone and Android has been an inconvenience for many years, but if the scope is extended to include older Pixels, the barrier will become even lower. I would like to wait for official guidance from Google and stabilization of operation.
Source: ITHome
Source: iPhone Mania
