The One UI 8.5 update adds Apple AirDrop compatibility to Samsung Galaxy phones. For the first time, file transfers between Android and iPhone work directly, without messengers or cloud services. The feature is built into the native Quick Share tool and is already available on the latest flagships, with older models getting it in the coming weeks. For users living in mixed ecosystems, this is one of the most practical innovations in recent times.

Samsung adds AirDrop support on Android. Image: WebPro Education

File Transfer Between Samsung and iPhone via AirDrop

The Quick Share feature is Samsung Galaxy’s built-in tool for fast wireless file transfer. Previously, it only worked between Android devices and Windows PCs. Now, after updating to One UI 8.5, Quick Share has learned to “see” Apple devices and exchange files with them via the AirDrop protocol.

The transfer goes directly between devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Files don’t pass through external servers, meaning the speed is comparable to regular AirDrop between two iPhones. To send photos, videos, or documents to an iPhone, no additional apps need to be installed — neither on Galaxy nor on iPhone. For the exchange to work, on the iPhone you need to open AirDrop settings and select the “Everyone for 10 Minutes” mode.

It’s important to set the correct settings on iPhone

After that, Galaxy will see the iPhone in the list of available devices in Quick Share. It works in the reverse direction too: Samsung Galaxy appears in the AirDrop menu on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and the Apple device owner can send a file the usual way.

Which Samsung Galaxy Devices Will Get AirDrop Support in One UI 8.5

The first to receive AirDrop compatibility via Quick Share were the Galaxy S26 series smartphones — the feature has worked there since launch. Now, with the release of stable One UI 8.5, it has started rolling out to earlier models.

Many Samsung smartphone owners will receive the update. Image: Marques Brownlee

Samsung has confirmed update support for the following devices:

  • Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE
  • Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
  • Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7
  • Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
  • Galaxy Tab S11 and Tab S10

Samsung has not yet confirmed whether AirDrop compatibility will appear on Galaxy A, Galaxy M, and Galaxy F series devices. These smartphones will also receive One UI 8.5, but with a trimmed set of features called Awesome Intelligence. The update for the Galaxy A lineup is expected in June 2026.

On Galaxy S23 series devices, the feature worked unstably in the beta version, and Samsung has not yet included it in the stable build for these models. If you have a Galaxy S23 smartphone or older, it’s worth watching for updates, but you shouldn’t count on AirDrop right now.

What Else Is New in One UI 8.5 Besides AirDrop

AirDrop compatibility is the main, but far from the only new feature of the update. One UI 8.5 is based on Android 16 and brings a number of features previously available only on the Galaxy S26 to older models.

One UI 8.5 has many other features besides AirDrop. Image: Cybo Tech

The most notable changes:

  • Call Screening — when receiving a call from an unknown number, Bixby can answer for you, ask the caller’s name and purpose of the call, then show the transcript on screen. You decide whether to join the conversation or not. It can be enabled in the Phone app settings
  • Improved Photo Editor (Photo Assist) — now accepts text commands: you can describe in words what you want to change in a photo, and the neural network will try to do it
  • Advanced Audio Eraser — works in real time and system-wide, including when watching videos on YouTube or Instagram
  • Bluetooth Auracast — audio broadcasting to multiple pairs of headphones simultaneously. Settings are gathered in one place in Bluetooth parameters
  • Updated Quick Panel — full customization of toggle placement and control elements
  • Dynamic Lock Screen — the design automatically adapts to the colors and composition of your wallpaper

However, not all Galaxy S26 features will make it to earlier models. According to several sources, Now Nudge (context-based keyboard suggestions) and AI-powered notification prioritization are currently absent from the stable build for Galaxy S25.

When Will One UI 8.5 Be Released in Russia

The stable version of One UI 8.5 began rolling out on May 6, 2026, in South Korea. Starting May 11, the rollout expands to Europe, India, North and Latin America, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

The update will be released very soon. Image: Jossa’s World

Russia is not mentioned separately in the official list of regions, but Samsung continues to support the global update infrastructure for devices sold in the country. Galaxy S25 and S24 owners will receive an over-the-air download notification depending on the regional firmware code. Based on experience with previous updates, the delay for devices with codes from Kazakhstan, UAE, or the Caucasus is no more than one to two weeks from the global launch.

You can check for the update in "Settings" — "Software Update"

To check for the update availability, open “Settings,” go to “Software Update,” and tap “Download and Install.” If the update isn’t there yet — it hasn’t reached your device yet. The download size is approximately 4.4 GB, so it’s best to update via Wi-Fi and back up your data beforehand.

Drawbacks of the AirDrop Feature on Android

There are several limitations