Android prepares AirDrop-style tap sharing feature
Android is preparing to introduce a feature similar to Apple’s AirDrop, according to an exclusive article from Android Authority. Evidence of this capability has been identified in Samsung’s One UI 9, Google Play Services, and the system-level code of Android 17.
This feature, likely named “Tap to share,” could significantly enhance file sharing across a broad range of Android devices beyond just Samsung models. It is anticipated to support sharing not only contacts but also files, marking a notable advancement in user interaction within the Android ecosystem.
Initial indicators of NFC-based file sharing were discovered in One UI 8.5’s experimental Labs section in September 2025, which suggested a Samsung-specific endeavor. However, further leaks from One UI 9 show a more developed version of the feature, with clear instructions for users on how to initiate file transfers.
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Descriptive strings linked to “Tap to share” indicate the functionality will rely on NFC technology for proximity-based sharing. Recent discoveries also revealed a feature named “Gesture Exchange” in Google Play Services, allowing the exchange of contact information via close proximity. This feature is associated with the Quick Share app, suggesting the potential for enhanced functionality that includes file transfers.
Code references from Android 17 beta builds point to a system-level service called “TapToShare,” indicating that this feature is being integrated at the operating system level rather than being confined to individual manufacturer implementations. Such integration hints at collaborative efforts between Samsung and Google in refining tap-based sharing capabilities.
The launch of this feature may coincide with the stable release of Android 17. Samsung devices are expected to be among the first to utilize “Tap to share,” according to recent reports. The developments indicate a shift in how Android users will approach file sharing, expanding capabilities similar to those found in Apple’s ecosystem.