Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

The gap between Android and Apple ecosystems is narrowing further as Xiaomi has announced support for AirDrop-compatible file sharing on its devices through the upcoming HyperOS 3 update.

The new feature, powered by Android's Quick Share framework, will allow Xiaomi smartphone users to transfer photos, videos, and documents directly to iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices without relying on third-party applications.

Xiaomi revealed the development through an official post on social media platform X, highlighting its latest flagship, the Xiaomi 17T Pro, as one of the first devices to support the feature. A demonstration video shared by the company showed a photo being transferred from the Xiaomi 17T Pro to an iPhone within seconds.

The functionality arrives as part of HyperOS 3, Xiaomi's latest operating system based on Android 16. While the company has confirmed support for the Xiaomi 17T Pro, it has not yet announced a timeline for extending the feature to older smartphones. Industry observers expect the capability to gradually roll out across more HyperOS 3-compatible devices.

The move reflects a broader industry trend toward improving interoperability between Android and Apple's traditionally closed ecosystems. Until recently, AirDrop remained exclusive to Apple devices, forcing Android users to depend on alternative file-sharing apps for cross-platform transfers.

Google initiated this shift by introducing AirDrop-compatible sharing through Quick Share on the Pixel 10 series. The feature was later expanded to other Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9 lineup.

Other Android manufacturers have also embraced the concept. Samsung introduced similar functionality on its Galaxy S26 series earlier this year, while Oppo enabled AirDrop-style transfers on its flagship Find X9 lineup.

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With Xiaomi joining the list, users may soon find it significantly easier to exchange files between Android and Apple devices, reducing one of the long-standing barriers between the two mobile ecosystems.

As smartphone brands continue to prioritize seamless connectivity, cross-platform sharing is emerging as a key feature in the next phase of mobile user experience.