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AirDrop lets you wirelessly transfer files and URLs to another Apple device but soon that could include support for Android as well.
Android and Windows devices could get this Apple feature soon
Apple’s troubles are unlikely to end in 2025 as the European Union continues to tighten its knot over the company with its new tech rules. The iPhone maker has already been forced to adopt USB C for all its devices, including the Macs. The iOS platform is also under the radar, as the regulators want the OS to be more receptive to third-party features.
And now, Apple will have to open its secure file transfer mode called AirDrop to other platforms like Android. Yes, the popular Apple feature could soon allow you to share files with Android devices.
The biggest reason for these features to work with other platforms and devices is interoperability and that’s what the EU regulators seek from tech giants like Apple, Microsoft and Google among others.
More Challenges Ahead
The EU regulators have shared the proposal draft for these features this week, and most likely, the final decision will be taken in its favour sometime in 2025. AirDrop has been a closed-door tool primarily because the company can keep the channel secure and ensure that people can transfer files, documents, URLs and even music across different Apple devices. Imagine when you can use this feature and share it with Android or Windows users from your iPhone/Mac or iPad, that’s what the EU aims to achieve.
The company would undeniably make claims of privacy concerns if this order is passed. Apple has repeatedly talked about the user’s privacy becoming a threat if companies like Meta and Google get their way and their less reliable security standards puts others in jeopardy.
Going by the way the EU has passed these orders in the last few years, chances are AirDrop will soon become a cross-platform feature, allowing more people to use it with their friends. Android users already have Quick Share which also works on Windows devices but AirDrop going mainstream will surely appeal to millions.