Recently, Google upgraded Quick Share to add an amazing feature that ensures compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop. This means users can now perform two-way file and video sharing directly between Android and iOS/macOS devices. As amazing as this feature is, it also has its issues. So far, its rollout has been moving at a frustratingly slow pace. However, new reports suggest that Google may be preparing to add AirDrop support via Quick Share to older Pixel models, including the Google Pixel 8a.
The answer is likely yes! According to a post on Reddit in the r/pixel_phones community, Pixel 8 models are likely to receive AirDrop support soon. The post reveals a screenshot of the Quick Share Extension appearing on Pixel 8a. If you don’t know, this extension is an important requirement for AirDrop compatibility.
TheReddit postclaims the extension is now available on Pixel 8a after the May 2026 update. After a quick check from our end on the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 7 models, and the 8a model, we discovered that this feature is not yet available.
Google rolled out theAirDrop supportfirst to the latest Pixel 10 series. So far, the company has made the feature rollout a slow, device-specific one. In February, the Pixel 9 models alsoreceived the new update. This means the Pixel 8 models are next in line to receive the Google AirDrop support for Quick Share.
You need to understand that Google hasn’t yet announced its plans toroll out supportfor the Pixel 8 lineups. Since it’s a slow, device-specific rollout, all we need is to wait until the company makes an official announcement.
So far, only a few users have acknowledged seeing this Quick Share extension. As such, we can safely say that it was an accidental addition for some devices. Some users claimed the extension has been available for them since April, which could mean it’s not an accidental release.
Is the AirDrop compatibility now working on the Pixel 8 devices that received the extension? The simple answer is: We currently don’t know. Most users only mentioned seeing the extension after theApril/May update. They didn’t mention anything relating to using the feature for file and video sharing via Quick Share.
With some users now seeing the Quick Share extension, we’re hopeful that Google will make an announcement soon regarding the AirDrop support for the Pixel 8 Series. As soon as any information drops, we’ll update this post.
Jike Eric has completed his degree program in Chemical Engineering. Jike covers Business and Tech news on Insider Paper.
You must belogged into post a comment.
Source: Insider Paper
