iOS 26 to let third-party apps build their own AirDrop alternative

Apple’s tight grip on local wireless sharing is finally loosening, even if rather reactively. With iOS 26, developers are getting a new API that allows third-party apps to discover and connect nearby devices over Wi-Fi, without needing an internet connection. Here’s how it’ll work.

Wi-Fi Aware

As observed by iHelpBR, the core of this news boils down to Wi-Fi Aware, which will allow nearby devices to find each other and create a direct peer-to-peer connection over Wi-Fi, even…