During the WWDC25 session ‘Supercharge Device Connectivity with Wi-Fi Aware’ became clear that Apple will support AirDrop alternatives. Developers can use the standard Wi-Fi Aware protocol from iOS 26 and iPados 26.
Wi-Fi Aware is an open, industrial technology that enables devices to communicate directly with each other via WiFi, without an internet connection or an access point (router) being required. This makes it possible for developers to build AirPlay and Airdrop-like functions in their own apps.
Wi-Fi Aware for iPhone
Wi-Fi Aware on the iPhone is a new wireless technology that is introduced with iOS 26 and with which devices can communicate with each other directly and safely via WiFi, without the need for an internet connection or Wifirouter.
The protocol makes it possible for devices to automatically recognize each other in the neighborhood and establish a connection directly. Via a peer-to-peer WiFi connection, devices can communicate directly with each other, similar to AirDrop. This works without the intervention of a network or internet, and also if the devices do not use the same WiFi network.
Secure
Just like AirDrop you can make a secure connection with other devices and exchange files and data directly. Before you can do this, you must first activate the ‘being found’ function and give permission, so that you prevent you from receiving unsolicited files.
Open standard
Unlike Apple’s own, closed AirDrop technology, Wi-Fi Aware is an open standard that is also supported by Android. With AirDrop you can only exchange data and files between Apple devices, but Wi-Fi Aware changes that. This makes it possible, for example, to exchange files between iPhones and Android devices.
Indirectly required by EU
Apple also implements Wi-Fi Aware to comply with the European Digital Markets Act, which requires Apple to offer open alternatives to AirDrop and AirPlay. The good news is that Apple has decided to make Wi-Fi Aware available worldwide, not only in Europe.
Developers ATTENT
Apple offers a Wi-Fi Aware-Framework and API, with which app developers can integrate this technology into their apps. This way they can offer an alternative to AirDrop and exchange wireless files with other devices.
Not just for file transfer
Fast local file exchange is of course the most obvious use, but Apple presents this API as a much wider -deployable tool. Developers can use it for everything where a fast local connection without a network benefit offers. Consider, for example, sharing your screen, streaming media between devices, or updating and configuring accessories such as smart glasses or drones.
Because Wi-Fi Aware is an open standard, apps are not limited to transfer between Apple devices. Theoretically, a developer can create a solution that works between iPhones and Android devices that use the same app. It is not an airdrop for Android, but it comes closest to what Apple has realized so far in the field of Cross-Platform Functionality.