Google might be prepping AirDrop support via Quick Share for Pixel 8 series

While Google’s Quick Share got a massive upgrade recently, thanks to compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop, the rollout is a tiresome wait. However, some reports suggest that the Quick Share Extension has started appearing on older Pixel models, like the Pixel 8a.

A post on Reddit in r/pixel_phones shows a screenshot of the Quick Share Extension appearing on the device. This extension is one of the components required for AirDrop compatibility. It was apparently added after the May security update, though some others claim to have also seen it on the April patch.

For what it’s worth, we’ve checked on our unit of the Pixel 8 Pro, and the extension doesn’t seem to appear on the April patch. Furthermore, we’ve also checked for this extension on our units of the Pixel 7a on the stable May patch, and the 8 on the Android 17 beta. Neither of these two has the extension at the moment.

It’s worth noting that the simple addition of the Quick Share extension doesn’t mean the device will support AirDrop right away. The extension is just part of a two-part equation. The other main factor is the presence of “Mosey” in the system files. Mosey makes Quick Share compatible with Apple’s protocols by adding the necessary components/code.

In the firmware files for the Pixel 8 Pro, we were unable to find “Mosey,” indicating that the files required for this extension aren’t available on the device yet. AirDrop will only work on the Pixel 8 (and older) after Mosey is added via a software update (along with the extension app), if it ever is.

The rollout of Quick Share compatibility with AirDrop is device-specific and gradual. To get this cross-platform sharing feature, users have been waiting for several months. It was originally launched with the latest Pixel 10 series, but it also made its way down to the Pixel 9 lineup in February 2026.

Naturally, users are expecting the Pixel 8 series to be next in line to receive this feature. It’s worth noting that Google’s official support page still mentions the Pixel 9 series as the latest compatible models, and the 8 series hasn’t been mentioned there yet.

Since Google is taking a phased rollout approach with this feature, we might have to wait until it’s officially announced. Furthermore, Google also had to add Mosey to future compatible devices via a Google Play System update.

Since only some users report seeing the extension on the Pixel 8 series, we can’t rule out the possibility that it was added by mistake, and that the Quick Share Extension was accidentally added to some devices. The fact that it’s reported to have been available since April, however, suggests that it may not be an error.

Additionally, it’s worth keeping in mind that we’re only speculating about AirDrop compatibility on the Pixel 8 series at the moment. It’s not official yet, and there are no reports confirming that AirDrop actually works on any of the Pixel 8 models; they’ve just noticed the extension showing up.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for similar alternatives, you can try third-party solutions such as LocalSend. We’ll keep this article updated with information on AirDrop’s availability on the Pixel 8 lineup. If you’re on the May patch on an older model, do let us know whether you’ve received this extension in the comments.

Disclaimer: The Featured Image was generated with AI.

Note: The article was updated with additional details to clarify the requirement of “Mosey” for AirDrop to work.

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