Samsung Galaxy S26 series gets Apple AirDrop support: Is it available in the UAE?
Samsung has officially confirmed the rollout of AirDrop-compatible file sharing on its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy S26 series this week.The feature will be delivered through an update to Quick Share, Samsung’s native file-sharing system, allowing users to send files directly to Apple devices such as iPhones.Rollout begins globally: UAE expected to follow?The rollout begins on March 23, initially launching in South Korea before expanding to multiple regions, including Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and North America.While the UAE, or the region, has not been explicitly listed in the first wave, we can expect the feature to arrive as part of the broader global rollout in the coming weeks.We reached out to Samsung in the UAE for a comment. Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, exclusively told KT that users in the "UAE and wider Gulf region can expect this feature to be accessible on their Galaxy S26 Series as soon as early April."Speaking on the feature, he added, "We remain commited to Samsung’s "Openness" initiative, which represents a core philosophy promoting collaboration, open ecosystems, and accessible technology. With the latest evolution of Quick Share, we are taking a significant step toward enabling truly borderless file sharing across platforms, removing traditional barriers between ecosystems and redefining what convenience looks like for today’s connected users."This is part of Samsung's broader vision of openness and collaboration across different ecosystems. Abu Shamat further said, "we believe users should have the freedom to connect and share effortlessly, regardless of the device or operating system they choose."More importantly, this openness is built on a strong foundation of privacy and security. Users remain fully in control of their visibility, permissions, and transfers, ensuring a safe and trusted sharing experience at all times, underpinned — always — by our industry-leading Knox security."Initially, AirDrop support will be limited to the Galaxy S26 lineup, with Samsung confirming that additional devices will gain access at a later stage.The official announcement read: "The feature will begin rolling out from March 23, starting in Korea and expanding to more regions including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. AirDrop support will initially be available on the Galaxy S26 series, with expansion to additional devices to be announced at a later date."How Samsung’s AirDrop support worksAccording to a report in 9to5Google, this new feature requires manual activation. Users will need to:Open Quick Share settingsEnable the option “Share with Apple devices”To successfully transfer files, both Galaxy and iPhone users must also ensure that “Everyone” mode is enabled on their respective devices.This update marks a significant step in improving cross-platform compatibility between Android and iOS devices, something users have long requested.The feature was first introduced on Google Pixel 10 devices in late 2025 and has since expanded to the Pixel 9 series, signalling a broader push across Android to support seamless file sharing with Apple devices.What it means for users in the UAEFor Galaxy users, especially in markets like the UAE where both Android and iPhone devices are widely used, this feature could make everyday file sharing far more convenient.Whether it’s sending photos, documents, or videos, the ability to connect directly with Apple devices removes the need for third-party apps or cloud-based workarounds.Samsung S26 launch in the UAE: How AI adoption shaped the new Galaxy flagship
Samsung has officially confirmed the rollout of AirDrop-compatible file sharing on its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy S26 series this week.
The feature will be delivered through an update to Quick Share, Samsung’s native file-sharing system, allowing users to send files directly to Apple devices such as iPhones.
Rollout begins globally: UAE expected to follow?
The rollout begins on March 23, initially launching in South Korea before expanding to multiple regions, including Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and North America.
While the UAE, or the region, has not been explicitly listed in the first wave, we can expect the feature to arrive as part of the broader global rollout in the coming weeks.
We reached out to Samsung in the UAE for a comment. Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, exclusively told KT that users in the "UAE and wider Gulf region can expect this feature to be accessible on their Galaxy S26 Series as soon as early April."
Speaking on the feature, he added, "We remain commited to Samsung’s "Openness" initiative, which represents a core philosophy promoting collaboration, open ecosystems, and accessible technology. With the latest evolution of Quick Share, we are taking a significant step toward enabling truly borderless file sharing across platforms, removing traditional barriers between ecosystems and redefining what convenience looks like for today’s connected users."
This is part of Samsung's broader vision of openness and collaboration across different ecosystems. Abu Shamat further said, "we believe users should have the freedom to connect and share effortlessly, regardless of the device or operating system they choose.
"More importantly, this openness is built on a strong foundation of privacy and security. Users remain fully in control of their visibility, permissions, and transfers, ensuring a safe and trusted sharing experience at all times, underpinned — always — by our industry-leading Knox security."
Initially, AirDrop support will be limited to the Galaxy S26 lineup, with Samsung confirming that additional devices will gain access at a later stage.
The official announcement read: "The feature will begin rolling out from March 23, starting in Korea and expanding to more regions including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. AirDrop support will initially be available on the Galaxy S26 series, with expansion to additional devices to be announced at a later date."
How Samsung’s AirDrop support works
According to a report in 9to5Google, this new feature requires manual activation. Users will need to:
Open Quick Share settings
Enable the option “Share with Apple devices”
To successfully transfer files, both Galaxy and iPhone users must also ensure that “Everyone” mode is enabled on their respective devices.
This update marks a significant step in improving cross-platform compatibility between Android and iOS devices, something users have long requested.
The feature was first introduced on Google Pixel 10 devices in late 2025 and has since expanded to the Pixel 9 series, signalling a broader push across Android to support seamless file sharing with Apple devices.
What it means for users in the UAE
For Galaxy users, especially in markets like the UAE where both Android and iPhone devices are widely used, this feature could make everyday file sharing far more convenient.
Whether it’s sending photos, documents, or videos, the ability to connect directly with Apple devices removes the need for third-party apps or cloud-based workarounds.
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