Google rolls out Pixel-to-iPhone file sharing via AirDrop-like tool

On Thursday, Alphabet’s Google announced that it has introduced a new Pixel-to-iPhone sharing option, “Quick Share,” which uses Apple’s AirDrop protocol directly without Apple’s involvement. The launch of the new Pixel-to-iPhone sharing option challenges Apple’s long-standing ecosystem exclusivity by facilitating smooth, peer-to-peer file transfers between competing devices.

AirDrop is integrated into Apple’s software, enabling fast wireless file transfers between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Google has a similar feature for Android called Quick Share. According to Google, Owners of Pixel 10 devices can now use AirDrop to send and receive files with Apple devices.  

Pixel 10 linking directly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Google mentioned that it is compatible with the entire Pixel 10 series, as well as iPhone, iPad, and macOS devices. Google spokesman Alex Moriconi stated that the Pixel-maker is introducing the new experience on the Pixel 10 first, before expanding it to other devices. Moriconi confirmed that the new sharing option will only be available on Google’s recent phones.

On November 20, Google said in a surprise announcement that “When it comes to sharing moments between family and friends, what device you have shouldn’t matter – sharing should just work.”

According to Moriconi, Apple had no part in establishing the feature. He added that Google developed its own solution to implement the Pixel-to-iPhone sharing option. Google hired NetSPI, a third-party security company, but Google’s own privacy and security experts thoroughly examined the configuration.

The security blog post mentioned an independent review from NetSPI. The NetSPI review anticipates refuting any arguments Apple might use to prevent compatibility and outlines Google’s justification for the security of this implementation.

Dave Kleidermacher, VP of Platforms Security and Privacy at Google, explained that the Pixel-to-iPhone sharing option does not employ a workaround. Kleidermacher further stated that the connection is direct and peer-to-peer, meaning that no additional data is shared, shared content is never logged, and users’ data is never routed through a server.

According to Google’s supporting documentation, to receive files from friends and family using Android phones, iPhone users will have to set up their AirDrop settings to display them as a recipient to “everyone for 10 minutes.” Notably, Users can accept or reject an incoming request based on the sender’s name that appears on their screen, just like with any other AirDrop transfer.

RCS upgrade signals safer cross-platform messaging evolution

Google compares the new solution to the emergence of RCS, or Rich Communication Services, which have facilitated texting and the sharing of high-quality images and videos among iPhone and Android users.

Last year, Apple implemented the RCS standards in response to pressure from regulators. Notably, Apple had resisted adopting the standard for almost a year.

Factually, RCS is an improvement over traditional SMS and MMS texting, supported by the GSM Association (GSMA), a nonprofit industry organization that promotes the interests of mobile network operators worldwide.

Tom Van Pelt, Technical Director at GSMA, stated that using the RCS Universal Profile, available on both iOS and Android, will enable users to type indicators, read receipts, and share high-quality media. Additionally, users will benefit from enhanced group messaging when interacting with contacts on other platforms.

According to Pelt,  users on both platforms will enjoy a richer, more reliable, and seamless communication experience compared to SMS and MMS.

Pelt promised that user protections, including interoperable end-to-end encryption (E2EE), will be included in the RCS Universal Profile. On March 14, Apple announced its plans to enable a new RCS specification that incorporates E2EE for the Messages app in future software updates.

The GSMA initiated efforts to E2EE on messages sent between Android and iPhone devices in September of last year. According to MacRumours, it remains unclear how long it will take Apple to integrate the upgraded profile into its software after the announcement of the new RCS specification with E2EE support.

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