In my experience, and I say this as an iPhone user, we can be some of the most classist people. It isn’t necessarily a choice we make; rather, Apple has engineered that exclusivity into the system. Features like AirDrop are designed to create a closed featured that naturally alienates everyone else.
You can’t receive and save apps or media downloads from other phones unless you download them yourself. You can’t download and save songs on your device. Instead, the only options you have are music streaming apps. Then, with the Airdrop feature, only iPhone users can share anything at all with you.
However, it appears there’s now a break in this exclusivity as Google steps in with the Pixel phones. 
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Who Would Have Thought We Could Use Airdrop on Google Pixel?
Late in 2025, Google subtly introduced AirDrop compatibility on Pixel devices. Many thought Apple would shut this addition down immediately. However, what seemed impossible is now real and expanding.
Initially introduced on the Pixel 10 series, the feature has now rolled out to most of the Pixel 9 lineup (except the budget Pixel 9A). That means Pixel users can now send files directly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This file transfer appears just like a regular AirDrop transfer.
On the Apple side, the file appears as an AirDrop request. On the Pixel side, it’s powered through Google’s Quick Share system. The only requirement is that both devices must be set to “discoverable.”
Once that’s done, it’s simply tap, accept, transfer. You no longer need third-party apps or ask that they send it to you on WhatsApp.
Google Might Be on to Something Here
For years, AirDrop has been one of Apple’s strongest ecosystem locks. It’s subtle, seamless, and exclusive. It kept file sharing comfortably inside the iPhone bubble. Android users had to rely on Bluetooth, Xender, or other workarounds. Now, Google has cracked that wall.
Interestingly, the Pixel 9A is excluded for now, with Google hinting that support may come later. But the bigger news is that Apple hasn’t blocked it and that might be a sign of positive things to come.
If this sticks long-term, it could change how non-Apple and Apple users interact. And Pixel users just got first access to one of Apple’s most prized social features.
So is this the beginning of the end for file-sharing middlemen like Xender? Maybe. But beyond that, AirDrop isn’t iPhone-only anymore.
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