Samsung and Google Collaborate to Bring AirDrop-Like File Sharing to Android

• March 30, 2026

Samsung and Google are working together to introduce a new file-sharing feature for Android devices that resembles Apple’s AirDrop. This capability, dubbed Tap to Share, aims to simplify the transfer of files between Android smartphones by enabling users to share data through a quick tap gesture.

According to insights uncovered by Android Authority through an analysis of Samsung’s One UI 9 code, Google Play Services, and Android 17 system files, the Tap to Share function integrates closely with core Android system components. This suggests a broad rollout across multiple manufacturers using Google’s ecosystem in the near future.

Enhancing Android File Sharing Experience

Currently, file-sharing options on Android often require navigating multiple menus or using third-party apps, which can be less seamless compared to AirDrop on iOS. Tap to Share is expected to streamline this process by allowing users to easily send photos, documents, and other files by simply touching compatible devices or bringing them into close proximity.

This feature likely leverages a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies to establish a secure and fast connection between devices, although exact technical details have not been disclosed yet. Its discovery in the upcoming Android 17 release and Samsung’s One UI 9 indicates an integrated software-level solution rather than a hardware-limited feature.

The collaboration between Samsung and Google on this functionality aligns with broader efforts to unify the Android experience and address fragmentation issues that have historically hindered consistent feature availability across devices. A native, easy-to-use file-sharing option could significantly improve user convenience and device interoperability within the Android platform.

Details regarding the official launch timeline, device compatibility, and supported file types remain sparse. However, the inclusion of Tap to Share in fundamental platform components like Google Play Services hints that the feature might become a standard offering on updated Android devices going forward.

As competition intensifies between mobile ecosystems, introducing AirDrop-like convenience to Android could enhance its appeal by reducing reliance on third-party apps for local file transfers. Users interested in trying Tap to Share will likely need to update their devices to the latest software versions once this function becomes publicly available.

The ongoing rollout of Android 17 and Samsung’s One UI 9 update is expected to bring several other enhancements alongside Tap to Share, further refining the Android user experience. Industry watchers and Android enthusiasts will be monitoring these updates closely for official announcements and practical demonstrations.

In summary, the introduction of Tap to Share represents a notable step for Android in narrowing the gap with Apple’s ecosystem in terms of effortless device-to-device file sharing, promising greater ease and efficiency for users across compatible devices.

Samsung and Google are developing a Tap to Share feature for Android that enables quick file transfers with a tap, similar to Apple’s AirDrop.