For a long time,Android When it comes to “exchanging files” with iOS users, we always have to rely on the cloud, third-party apps, or go around a long way to complete it. Although both camps have convenient short-range file transfer tools, cross-platform has always been like a high wall that is difficult to overcome. However, the recent leaks of system clues seem to have caused cracks in this wall.
In the latest test version, some developers discovered that the underlying system of the Pixel 9 series has quietly added key content related to the iPhone’s “Quick Share” file transfer.
This not only means that in addition to the Pixel 10 series, Google Cross-platform interoperability is being accelerated, and it also hints that new features that were originally thought to be exclusive to the next-generation Pixel may be decentralized early. For people who use Android and iPhone every day, such changes undoubtedly make people look forward to future usage scenarios.
Not just for Google Pixel 10? Pixel 9 may also join the ranks of iPhone AirDrop file transfer
If you have used both an Android phone and an iPhone, you must be particularly interested in file transfer. The Android camp has “Share quickly(Quick Share)”, the Apple ecosystem has AirDrop, each one is very smooth to use, but once you want to cross-platform, you have to rely on cloud connection, communication software, or transfer it to the computer first and then transfer it again. The process is not smooth at all.
In recent years, Google has clearly realized this pain point and began to try to make Android’s quick sharing function directly interactive with iPhone users. It was generally believed that this “upgraded version of Quick Sharing” would be the exclusive highlight of the next-generation Pixel 11, but the newly exposed system content has changed the situation.
according to Android Authority According to the test information obtained, in the latest Android Canary test version, the system firmware of the Pixel 9 series has already appeared to support the key protocol descriptions required to transfer files to the iPhone. This means that Google is not just in the conceptual stage, but has actually written the relevant functions into the bottom layer of the system.
It is worth noting that these contents currently only appear on the Pixel 9 series, and have not been extended to Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, or even the more user-friendly Pixel 9a. From this point of view, Google is likely to differentiate based on hardware generations, giving priority to devices equipped with new generation processors to experience the possibility of cross-platform file transfer first.
From a strategic perspective, this approach is actually not difficult to understand. Cross-system interoperability involves security, transmission stability and protocol integration. Locking in newer devices for testing first can reduce risks and facilitate subsequent adjustments. If the actual usage conditions are good, it would be reasonable to gradually open it to more models in the future depending on the situation.
As for when it will actually be available, Google has yet to give a clear timetable. However, outsiders speculate that it will be available with the QPR3 quarterly update of Android 16 at the earliest, or more conservatively, it will not be fully open to eligible devices until Android 17 is officially launched.
This development actually echoes the direction that Google has publicly mentioned before, which is to allow Android and iOS to have a certain degree of interoperability in specific functions. Even if it is impossible to achieve completely seamless integration, it can at least reduce unnecessary troubles in the most commonly used file transfer scenarios in daily life.
Interestingly, this wave of change isn’t just coming from Google. Qualcomm has also publicly stated recently that it looks forward to seeing more devices equipped with Snapdragon processors that can enable such cross-platform file transfer functions. These words imply that the new version of Quick Share will not be limited to Pixel phones in the future, but will have the opportunity to spread to more Android brands.
If this direction comes true, it means that file transfer between Android and iOS will no longer be a patent for a few flagship phones, but will gradually become a “natural” experience. For consumers, such changes may be more practical than processor scores or camera specifications.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese