AirDrop is an amazing technology that allows you to transfer files between multiple Apple devices. The only problem is that AirDrop is limited to the manufacturer's platforms. This will change with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, which include support for Wi-Fi Aware. Compatible apps will be able to communicate with other devices at Wi-Fi speeds, but without needing internet access or a Wi-Fi hotspot.
File sharing opens up to other platforms
Wi-Fi Aware is a technology developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance; it allows devices to discover and communicate directly with each other. Once identified—this will involve entering a number between an iPhone and the other device—the devices can establish a direct peer-to-peer connection. No need for a dedicated Wi-Fi network, no mobile data, the connection is secured with encryption, and it's more energy-efficient and faster than Bluetooth.
On the Android side, Wi-Fi Aware has been available since 2017 and Android 8.0. The technology remains underused because smartphones must have compatible hardware, and developers prefer Bluetooth LE for proximity services. iOS 26 could reshuffle the deck.
Apple took its time to support Wi-Fi Aware. And perhaps the manufacturer didn't integrate it with a light heart: the European Commission is in fact requiring iOS to be open to alternatives to AirDrop. It's unfortunate that Apple is only innovating when forced and constrained by regulators, as we saw with USB-C or NFC (Apple Pay).
But whatever the reasons, good or bad: this solution should prove very useful for users who use several platforms. Apple specifies that Wi-Fi Aware will be compatible from the iPhone 12, the iPad 10th generation, the iPad mini 6th generation, the iPad Air 4th generation, and the iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) and 12.9-inch (5th generation).
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