Google may launch Quick Share on iOS and macOS

• Google’s unified Quick Share app could be coming to iOS and macOS.

• Although not explicitly mentioned, a comment found in the Google Nearby repository regarding a bugfix mentioned how it will benefit Quick Share users on iOS and macOS.

• It’s unclear if Google is actively working on expanding Quick Share to Apple devices or if it’s simply laying the groundwork for a future expansion.

Google and Samsung are unified Quick sharing has quickly become a popular alternative to traditional file sharing services. The tool can quickly transfer files using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with streaming support over mobile data probably in the pipeline.

The app is available for use on Android, ChromeOS, and Windows devices, with the latter recently receiving support for credential expiration, improved app animations, and a number of bug fixes. However, the most intriguing development might just be the platform’s potential expansion beyond app barriers.

In a report for Android Authority, Mishaal Rahman suggests that Google could be working on bringing the Quick Share app to iOS and macOS, which could make cross-platform transfers much easier with native support.

Formerly known as Nearby Share, Quick Share uses the Google app Connections nearby Peer-to-peer network API to search, connect and transmit data with nearby devices. The source code for Nearby Connections is visible on GitHub and includes all recent updates made by Google. According to Rahman, a recent bug fix in the API gives us the biggest clue yet about the app’s potential iOS expansion.

A comment on Google Warehouse nearby highlighted how the app picks up device names specifically iOS and macOS. “If you haven’t logged in or your account hasn’t given a name, use the machine name instead. For iOS and macOS, the device name is already localized and generally works well for quick sharing purposes (ie “Niko’s MacBook Pro”), so avoid using -localized account name and concatenating the device type,” read the comment.

The app coming to iOS and macOS is just speculation at the moment

It’s worth noting that the comment doesn’t explicitly indicate that a Quick Share app for iOS and macOS is on the way, but it certainly raises speculation given that it essentially states that the bug fix will benefit Quick Share users on iOS and macOS . The targeted nature of the comment suggests a concrete plan to expand the app to Apple devices, but it could also be Google laying the groundwork for an expansion some time in the future.

Extending QuickShare to iOS and macOS, and potentially even iPadOS, makes sense, though it will likely only benefit those with a foot in both ecosystems. To transfer files or photos to friends with an iPhone, messaging platforms like WhatsApp are enough, especially since the app now allows users to set HD quality as default for sending images and videos. Android smartphone users who also own a MacBook or iPad (and there are a few of us here at Android Police) would likely be the primary and niche market for the app.

If the app makes it to iOS, its reliability, thanks to the Google name backing it, would probably make apps like Share it and other third-party file sharing apps are losing market share. That is, however, if it can convince iOS users to adopt a new file sharing solution.