Samsung Galaxy phones can now share files with iPhones using AirDrop

Samsung says Galaxy phones can now share files with iPhones. The company says its enhanced Quick Share feature supports AirDrop-compatible sharing between Galaxy and iOS devices. AirDrop is Apple's built-in way to send files. The catch is that it works only between select Galaxy and compatible Apple devices.

What changed

The news comes from a Samsung newsroom post pitched at small businesses. Samsung suggests its phones, watches, earbuds, tablets and PCs could work as employee rewards, client gifts or tools for people working away from the office. Cross-platform sharing is one of the features it points to for teams that mix Apple and Samsung devices.

Samsung also says the feature depends on supported operating systems and hardware. In other words, having a Galaxy phone and an iPhone is not enough on its own.

What is not clear yet

• Which Galaxy models are included
• Which iPhones and software versions work
• Whether the feature costs anything extra

The material does not answer these questions, so check Samsung's own listings for your devices.

Other tools in the pitch

Samsung's Smart Switch app moves contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps and settings from an iPhone or Android phone. With One UI 9, Samsung says it can also move passwords and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings and eSIM information. Samsung recommends a wired connection when moving many kinds of data at once.

On returns, most Samsung.com and Shop Samsung App purchases can generally be returned within 15 days of delivery, followed by 15 days to ship the item back. Return shipping is free, though some products may carry a restocking fee. Purchases from other retailers follow those stores' rules.

What to do

If your team uses both iPhones and Galaxy phones, try file sharing on one or two devices before relying on it for customer files, marketing materials or time-sensitive documents. The same approach applies to buying. Test a couple of models with different kinds of workers before placing a large order.

Back up important data before switching phones. Set clear rules for passcodes, updates and customer information. A smooth transfer tool does not replace a basic security policy.