Android and iPhone users can now share files, starting with the Pixel 10

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Excitement and “Why Did This Take So Long?”

  • Many see cross-platform Quick Share/AirDrop as long-overdue basic functionality, highlighting how strong vendor lock-in has become.
  • Several note that even “dumbphones” could share files cross‑vendor via Bluetooth or IR in the 2000s; the fact this is news in 2025 is seen as embarrassing regression.
  • Some argue interoperability is now only appearing because it started hurting platform owners’ image and regulators stepped in.

Vendor Lock-In, DMA, and Apple/Google Incentives

  • Strong sentiment that Apple intentionally withheld interoperable file sharing to reinforce its ecosystem (similar complaints about iMessage, FaceTime, AirPods, watch integration).
  • Others point out Google has also killed or siloed earlier cross-device tools (e.g., Bump) and pushes its own proprietary stacks.
  • Multiple commenters link this directly to EU Digital Markets Act decisions, which forced Apple to support Wi‑Fi Aware and make P2P Wi‑Fi interoperable; debate continues over how much was “forced” vs “planned.”

Technical Underpinnings and Pixel-10-Only Launch

  • Commenters dissect that Google likely implemented the AirDrop protocol via reverse‑engineering (similar to OpenDrop), using Apple’s AWDL behavior and/or new Wi‑Fi Aware paths.
  • Pixel 10–first rollout is widely seen as marketing and/or chipset/firmware related; some think any modern Wi‑Fi hardware could do it, others note AWDL-like modes can require special firmware.
  • People expect eventual expansion beyond Pixel 10, but lament yet another feature gated by exact device + OS + Play Services combo.

Filesystems, Openness, and Philosophy

  • Long subthread contrasts Apple’s “hide files, surface photos/docs” UX with Android/Linux’s explicit filesystem.
  • Pro‑filesystem voices see hiding files as disempowering and anti‑“hacker spirit”; others argue most users don’t want to manage directories and dotfiles.
  • Related complaints: iOS restrictions on sideloading, background tasks, 3rd‑party watches, and notification control vs Android’s relative openness (custom ROMs, real Firefox, KDE Connect).

Alternatives, Reliability, and Actual Usage

  • Many already use messaging apps (WhatsApp/Signal), cloud links, or local tools (LocalSend, PairDrop, Wormhole, KDE Connect) and question how often they’ll need this.
  • AirDrop is praised as fast and offline, but several report it being flaky, especially involving Macs, with poor diagnostics.
  • Some worry about metadata leaks or spam, but notes emphasize the “Contacts only / Everyone for 10 minutes” model and peer‑to‑peer design.