The EU made Apple adopt new Wi-Fi standards, and now Android can support AirDrop (arstechnica.com)

Article summary

The EU's Digital Markets Act has led to Apple adopting new Wi-Fi standards, allowing Android devices to support AirDrop. Google has updated its Quick Share feature to work with AirDrop, enabling file sharing between Android and Apple devices. This change is possible due to the EU's requirement for Apple to adopt the Wi-Fi Alliance's Wi-Fi Aware standard instead of its proprietary protocol. The update currently only supports the Pixel 10 series, but may expand to other Android devices in the future.

Main themes

• EU regulations
• Interoperability
• Wireless standards
• AirDrop
• Android-iOS compatibility
• Tech industry trends

What commenters say

• The EU's intervention was necessary to push Apple towards adopting more open standards and improving interoperability with other devices.
• Apple was already planning to adopt USB-C and other open standards, and the EU's regulations simply provided a convenient excuse for the transition.
• The transition from Lightning to USB-C has been problematic for some users, with issues such as compatibility with older accessories and devices.
• Wireless charging and data transfer are not yet reliable or fast enough to replace wired connections, and the removal of ports from devices like the iPhone would be a step backwards.
• The adoption of open standards like Wi-Fi Aware and USB-C will ultimately benefit consumers by increasing compatibility and reducing e-waste.
• Apple's decision to adopt USB-C was likely driven by a desire to remove ports from the iPhone and create a more streamlined device, but was thwarted by EU regulations.
• The use of adapters and dongles can mitigate some of the issues with wireless connections, but may not be a convenient or reliable solution for all users.