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Android’s New Tap-to-Share Feature Could Work Across Brands, Not Just Samsung
Android may soon introduce an AirDrop-like 'tap-to-share' feature, allowing users to share files by tapping two phones together. It's reported that this feature has been spotted in the code of Samsung One UI and Android 17.
Android is reportedly adopting an Apple approach. According to a report, users of the Android platform might have the chance to use a feature similar to Apple's AirDrop. This feature will enable users to share contacts and other media using two devices just by tapping them.
Android Authority discovered the feature in the system codes of Samsung One UI 9, Google Play Services, and Android 17. The publication first encountered the feature in Samsung One UI 8.5 in September 2025. Then, they found it again in One UI 9, and it appeared to be a tap-based file transfer feature using NFC.
The report states that this feature isn't exclusive to Samsung and isn't solely based on NFC. Android Authority found out that after examining the code of Quick Share in Google Play Services and One UI 9, NFC will just initiate the process, while Quick Share will handle the sending.
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The Android 17 beta also hints at a system-level service called 'TapToShare,' suggesting that this feature may not be limited to a single brand.
This means that Quick Share on Android could finally offer an AirDrop-like 'tap-to-share' experience that will work across multiple devices and brands. Google is expected to announce this feature alongside the stable release of Android 17. Samsung devices will likely be among the first to receive it, as the company is also working on it separately.
It's worth noting that the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series offers an AirDrop-like sharing feature through Quick Share. It originated in South Korea and later rolled out to other regions.
Galaxy users can send photos, videos, and files directly to iPhones and Macs using a system similar to Apple AirDrop. To use it, users must open Quick Share, find nearby Apple devices, and tap to send. On the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, this feature isn't enabled by default. Users must enable the 'Share with Apple devices' option in Quick Share settings.
There are a few requirements to keep in mind. The iPhone to which the file is being sent must have the AirDrop setting set to 'Everyone.' The Galaxy device must also have the same visibility setting enabled when sharing files. Following a recent update, this feature is also available on select Google Pixel phones.
Android 17 may introduce an AirDrop-like 'tap-to-share' experience in the future, working across multiple devices and brands.
