Google has announced plans to release a Quick Share Software Development Kit (SDK) that will allow Android and iOS developers to integrate the file-sharing protocol directly into their apps. Announced at the Android Dev Summit 2026, the SDK is scheduled for a broad release in the first half of 2027, effectively turning what was once a system-level feature into a cross-platform tool for third-party software.
The expansion aims to bridge the gap between Android and iOS devices by providing a standardized, peer-to-peer method for transferring files. By moving the functionality into an SDK, Google is enabling apps to bypass the standard system share sheets. Instead, developers can implement a custom in-app bottom sheet, allowing users to send files without leaving the application interface.
Technically, the SDK utilizes Wi-Fi Direct and automatic hotspot configuration to facilitate high-speed transfers. Because the protocol establishes a direct connection between devices, it functions entirely offline and does not require an active internet connection. According to 9to5Google, this peer-to-peer approach ensures that transfers are lossless, making it a viable alternative for photographers and videographers who wish to avoid the heavy file compression typically found in messaging apps or social media platforms.
For developers, the integration is designed to be lightweight. Reported claims suggest that the sharing feature can be implemented with approximately 20 lines of code.
The SDK also introduces support for “Tap to Share,” a feature that allows users to initiate a transfer by physically touching two phones together. This functionality builds upon the groundwork laid in November 2025, when Google introduced limited AirDrop compatibility for the Pixel 10 series.
Privacy remains a central component of the new framework. Google confirmed that every transfer initiated through the Quick Share SDK is natively end-to-end encrypted. While the SDK will support iOS and iPadOS generally, specific hardware requirements for Wi-Fi Direct may determine which older iPhone models are fully compatible with the high-speed transfer modes.
