WhatsApp appears to have taken inspiration from Apple, as evidence has recently emerged suggesting that the platform is working on its own version of AirDrop. The feature was initially discovered by WABetaInfo in an Android beta from April 2024. It has since resurfaced in an iOS beta under the new name Nearby Share.
According to the report, Nearby Share will allow users to send different types of files (e.g. photos, videos, and text documents) to other nearby smartphones without needing an internet connection. Not needing the internet is a big step forward, as it allows people to transfer large files when they are in “limited or unstable network coverage.” However, the way the feature works on operating systems will differ.
Sharing between systems
On Android, it works similarly to AirDrop. WhatsApp can freely share files as long as your phone can “find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices.” Additionally, the recipient must also give others permission to receive anything. However, there are restrictions on iOS.
The iPhone version requires users to scan a QR code to begin the file-sharing process as it doesn’t support the nearby device detection method. It’s unknown why WhatsApp is switching to QR codes on iOS. Android Authority theorizes that it could be an extra layer of security to prevent malicious files from reaching your smartphone. Others, like 9To5Mac, believe it could be “due to iOS limitations.”
WABetaInfo claims that end-to-end encryption, like all WhatsApp messages, will protect files sent via Nearby Share. What's really interesting is that the feature is apparently set to “work across different platforms, including Android and iOS.” Users won't be affected by operating system limitations, which could make it superior to AirDrop.
Pending release
Development of Nearby Share is still ongoing. Meta is reportedly refining the tool's design while also working out “permission-related” details. [and] privacy measures.” As the company tests the software, certain aspects are likely to undergo adjustments over time and may not make it into the final version.
There's no word on when the feature will be released. WABetaInfo says the official release date “remains uncertain due to several factors.” Nearby Share isn't currently available to testers, but if you want to try out other features, you can download the latest WhatsApp beta from Google Play and Apple's TestFlight.
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