Samsung Galaxy Devices Gain AirDrop Compatibility
The One UI 9 update enables direct file transfers between Galaxy smartphones and Apple hardware.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Samsung has introduced AirDrop compatibility to its Galaxy A56 and Galaxy S25 FE devices via the One UI 9 software update. This update enables direct file transfers between these Android smartphones and Apple hardware, including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.
Why it matters
This update reduces a long-standing friction point between Android and iOS ecosystems by enabling native cross-platform file sharing. It signals a move toward broader interoperability, allowing users to share data without relying on third-party cloud services or email.
The update enables cross-platform transfers via the Quick Share menu, though the process may cause the Galaxy A56 to momentarily disconnect from local Wi-Fi networks during device discovery or active data transmission.
The players
Samsung
A global leader in semiconductor, consumer electronics, and mobile hardware manufacturing that maintains the Android-based Galaxy ecosystem.
Apple
A developer of consumer electronics and the proprietary macOS and iOS operating systems that feature the AirDrop file-transfer protocol.
The details
Users access the new functionality by selecting the Share with Apple devices option within the Quick Share menu. For a transfer to initiate, the receiving Apple device must have its AirDrop visibility set to Everyone. The transmission occurs locally over wireless signals, bridging Samsung’s proprietary sharing architecture with Apple’s native AirDrop protocol.
Timeline
- 2026-10-20
Samsung released the One UI 9 update for the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy S25 FE.
The Tech Race
This integration follows a long-standing pattern set by the AirDrop wireless file transfer protocol, which has historically remained restricted to Apple’s walled garden. By enabling this link, Samsung is working to reduce the functional gap between its hardware and the Apple ecosystem.
Owners of the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy S25 FE can now send files directly to any nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac running with AirDrop set to receive from everyone. Users should note that active Wi-Fi connections on the handset may drop during the file transfer process.
The takeaway
This update provides an immediate solution for Galaxy users needing to share files with Apple devices without intermediaries. Users should watch for future One UI updates to see if this cross-platform functionality expands to older Galaxy models or other Android-based handsets.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in mobile hardware and interoperability, visit the Consumer Electronics section.
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