Pixel 9 phones can now transfer files using AirDrop, too

As with the Pixel 10 phones, Pixel 9 owners (almost all of them) will be able to send and receive files more easily using Apple devices. Files sent from your Pixel to your iPhone, Mac, or iPad will appear as AirDrop transfers. On the Android side, files are processed through Quick Share. The receiving Apple device must be discoverable to anyone — you can set a ten-minute time limit for this — and the Pixel must also be discoverable to everyone or in receiving mode. Once done, all that’s required is to click to accept the transfer and you’re on your way to cross-platform sharing fun.

This means that unless you’re a Pixel 9A owner, you’ll need to use regular Bluetooth or another old method. I asked Google why the 9A was excluded from AirDrop support, and communications director Alex Moriconi said only that they are “looking to improve and expand the experience to more Android devices over time.” So, if you want your glass to be half full on this one, 9A could still be included in a future update. In the meantime at least, I’m pretty optimistic that AirDrop compatibility will stick around in the long term.