Tap to Share may come to Galaxy with One UI 9

One UI 9, Samsung's next software layer for Galaxy devices, may include Android's "Tap to Share" feature. This technology allows users to transfer files, links, locations, and more by bringing two unlocked phones close together. The report comes from Sammobile, a site focused on Samsung leaks. The feature is expected in 2026 alongside Android 17.

Galaxy phones currently use Quick Share to send content between devices. Recently, Samsung added partial AirDrop compatibility to models like the Galaxy S26 series. That update is still rolling out, but it shows a clear trend: making file sharing faster and simpler. Tap to Share would be the next step in that direction.

The feature won't be a standalone app. Instead, it will be built directly into Quick Share. This way, Samsung can use Google's underlying tech while keeping its own interface. Users will just need to bring the top edges of two phones together, both screens facing up. Within seconds, a notification will appear on each device confirming the connection.

Once linked, a light effect will show the transfer is ready. A tap on each screen completes the exchange of photos, videos, contacts, or links. The system uses NFC and proximity sensors. Google recommends using the top edge of phones for contact. If it fails, placing the devices back to back may help establish the link.

There's no sign yet that Tap to Share will work between Android and iPhone. For now, it seems limited to Android devices. Still, Samsung and Google have been aligning their sharing tools. Future updates could expand compatibility if adoption grows.

Google plans to officially unveil Tap to Share at its annual Google I/O 2026 event, set for May 19 and 20. That's when the company is expected to detail how the feature integrates into Android 17. The goal is clear: make file sharing effortless. "File transfer should be invisible to the user", said an Android engineer at a recent conference.