Google announces Quick Share SDK for Android and iOS in 2027

Google has announced major expansion plans for its Quick Share wireless file sharing service, revealing a developer SDK that will be released in the first half of 2027. The new tools will allow developers to embed file sharing directly into their apps across both Android and iOS platforms.

• Google announced the Quick Share SDK for Android and iOS at its Android Dev Summit.
• The SDK will be released in the first half of 2027 for third-party app integration.
• Transfers occur locally via end-to-end encryption without routing through cloud servers or system share sheets.
• Implementing the SDK takes about 20 lines of code with no server infrastructure to maintain.

How the Quick Share SDK works inside apps

The primary advantage of the new SDK is that developers can build file-sharing capabilities directly into the UI of their own apps. Users will no longer need to go through the system share sheet or the full-screen Quick Share interface. Instead, a bottom sheet pops up right inside the app, displaying previews of the files being sent.

Transfers happen over local networks with end-to-end encryption between the two devices. The SDK automatically creates a hotspot when necessary and utilizes Wi-Fi Direct on supported hardware. Photos and videos retain their full resolution without compression, and since no cloud infrastructure is involved, sharing works completely offline—even in airplane mode or deep underground—without consuming mobile data.

Benefits for developers and the ecosystem

According to Google, integrating Quick Share takes approximately 20 lines of code, requiring no server upkeep from the developer. Apps can also flag sensitive content to mask it in previews. Combined with Tap to Share, the receiving app does not even need to be open; it launches automatically the moment the transfer completes.

Quick Share is currently available on more than 3 billion devices across Android, ChromeOS, and Windows. However, whether users see this new functionality in their favorite apps ultimately depends on individual developers choosing to adopt the SDK.

What this means for the tech industry

The introduction of a cross-platform Quick Share SDK breaks down barriers between mobile operating systems, making file sharing frictionless. For businesses and developers, it offers an easy way to boost app utility with minimal engineering effort, paving the way for more seamless local connectivity features worldwide.