April 2, 2026, 2:37 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Google is working on a new sharing feature for Android. In the future, files may be sent by simply holding two smartphones together. The hints about this have increased in recent months. There is growing evidence that Google wants to significantly expand Quick Share. The goal seems to be a solution reminiscent of AirDrop. As it stands, this is not intended to be a Pixel-exclusive feature. Instead, findings suggest a function designed for the entire Android system.

First Hints Came in 2025

Early signs were discovered by “Android Authority” back in September 2025. At that time, hints of file transfer via NFC appeared in Samsung’s One UI 8.5. The feature was hidden in the test environment “Labs.” There were also animations showing two devices being held together for transfer. At that point, it all seemed like a Samsung experiment. Initially, there were no further major developments.

However, in One UI 9, there are new traces of the feature. The description is clear: “Simply hold the top of your phone close to the device, and the files will be sent.” This clarifies how the transfer should work in everyday life. Android 17 also contains several references to a service called “Tap to Share.” There are hints of dialogues and status messages, suggesting that the feature is not just intended for Samsung but could come as an Android-wide solution.

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How Tap to Share Could Work

The principle is already known from AirDrop. Two smartphones are held together, and the transfer starts automatically. According to the current hints, it is not just about contacts. Files should also be transferable this way.

There is no exact date for the launch yet. Since the hints already appear in One UI 9 and Android 17, a launch with the final release seems likely. It is also possible that Samsung will offer the feature first, with other manufacturers following later.