Now Pixel 9 phones can transfer files with AirDrop, too

"As with Pixel 10 phones, owners of (almost all) Pixel 9 phones will be able to send and receive files a little more easily with Apple devices. Files sent from a Pixel to an iPhone, Mac, or iPad will appear as AirDrop transfers. On the Android side, files are handled through Quick Share. The receiving Apple device needs to be discoverable to anyone - you can set a ten-minute time limit on this - and the Pixel likewise needs to be discoverable to all or in receive mode. With that done, all that's required is a tap to accept the transfer and you're on your way to cross-platform-sharing-bliss."

"That is, unless you're the owner of a Pixel 9A - you'll need to use plain Bluetooth or some other old-fashioned method. I asked Google why the 9A is excluded from AirDrop support, and communications manager Alex Moriconi said only that they're "looking forward to improving the experience and expanding it to more Android devices over time.""

Google expanded AirDrop-compatible Quick Share from Pixel 10 to the Pixel 9 series, excluding the Pixel 9A. Pixels can send files to iPhone, Mac, or iPad and appear as AirDrop transfers while Android devices use Quick Share. Receiving Apple devices must be discoverable to anyone (a ten-minute discoverable window can be set), and Pixels must be discoverable or placed in receive mode. Transfers require a tap to accept. The Pixel 9A currently lacks the feature and must use Bluetooth or other methods, and Google indicated plans to broaden compatibility in future updates.

Read at The Verge