AirDrop Now Available on Samsung & OnePlus Phones – Xiaomi 17T Pro & 17T Unveiled with Leica Zoom

Apple’s AirDrop, the proprietary file-sharing protocol that has long been a hallmark of its ecosystem, is now expanding beyond iOS devices after years of exclusivity. Samsung has confirmed that select models of its flagship Galaxy phones—including the S24 series and the Ultra variants—will support AirDrop starting with an upcoming software update, a move that marks a significant shift in cross-platform compatibility. Separately, OnePlus has announced that the OnePlus 15 will also integrate AirDrop functionality, while Xiaomi has extended support to its latest premium device, the Xiaomi 17T Pro.

The announcements come as Apple loosens its grip on the technology, which has traditionally required both sender and receiver to use Apple devices. The expansion follows a gradual opening of AirDrop to third-party manufacturers, including Qualcomm-powered Windows PCs earlier this year. Samsung’s inclusion of AirDrop aligns with its broader strategy to deepen interoperability with Apple’s services, particularly in regions where Android dominates but iOS users remain influential—such as in Europe and parts of Asia.

For Samsung, the integration is part of a larger push to enhance its software ecosystem, particularly with the upcoming release of One UI 6.1, which will bundle AirDrop as a standard feature. The company has not disclosed a timeline for the rollout but has indicated that users will need to update to the latest version of Android 14 to access the functionality. OnePlus, meanwhile, will bundle AirDrop with OxygenOS 14.1, set to debut alongside the OnePlus 15 in the coming weeks. Xiaomi’s addition of AirDrop to the 17T Pro—unveiled alongside a Leica-branded 5x telephoto lens—underscores its efforts to position the device as a premium alternative to Apple’s Pro lineup, despite its Android foundation.

The technical underpinnings of AirDrop’s expansion hinge on Apple’s decision to open its Nearby Interaction framework to non-Apple hardware, provided manufacturers meet strict security and performance criteria. Samsung and OnePlus have both confirmed compliance with these requirements, though details on how file encryption and peer-to-peer routing will function across different chipsets remain limited. Industry analysts suggest the move could accelerate adoption of AirDrop as a universal file-sharing standard, particularly in enterprise and educational settings where cross-platform collaboration is critical.

Xiaomi’s inclusion of AirDrop on the 17T Pro adds another layer to the device’s marketing strategy. The phone, which also features a 120W fast-charging capability and a 5,500mAh battery, is being positioned as a versatile tool for professional use, including as a secondary display for live sports broadcasts—a feature highlighted in promotional materials targeting corporate clients. The dual-camera system, now paired with a Leica-tuned 5x periscope lens, further emphasizes its appeal to content creators and event organizers, where seamless file transfer between devices remains a priority.

While Apple has not publicly commented on the broader implications of AirDrop’s expansion, internal documents obtained by tech publications indicate that the company views the move as a calculated step to reduce fragmentation in file-sharing ecosystems. Competitors, however, remain cautious. Google has not signaled plans to integrate AirDrop into its own services, and Microsoft’s Nearby Share continues to operate as a separate protocol. The absence of a unified standard could still create friction for users who rely on multiple ecosystems, though industry observers note that AirDrop’s dominance in peer-to-peer transfers makes its adoption a de facto necessity for manufacturers targeting Apple’s user base.

The rollout of AirDrop across these devices also raises questions about long-term compatibility. Apple has historically reserved the right to modify or deprecate features in its ecosystem, and while Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have assured users of ongoing support, there is no guarantee that future iOS updates will maintain backward compatibility with non-Apple hardware. For now, however, the expansion represents a rare instance of Apple’s technology bridging the gap between its walled garden and the broader mobile landscape.