Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp is developing native support for sharing files with nearby users via end-to-end encrypted peer-to-peer transfers
- The functionality mirrors Android’s unified Quick Share standard and Apple’s AirDrop
- It remains to be seen whether another proprietary sharing system will complement Quick Share or confuse Android users
WhatsApp is working on a new way for users to share files with nearby devices, according to information spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android by WABetaInfo.
The feature would allow seamless file sharing between devices when in close proximity, similar to Android’s Quick Share and Apple’s AirDrop solutions.
How WhatsApp’s Upcoming File Transfer Feature Would Work
Based on screenshots from WhatsApp beta version 2.24.2.20, users would access the new peer-to-peer sharing capability through a “People Nearby” option added to the app. Both the sender and receiver would need to have this option open in WhatsApp for file transfers to initialize.
An additional sharing method may allow users to shake their device to view incoming share requests from nearby devices. Accepting the share request would trigger the file transfer process.
The peer-to-peer file sharing process would remain end-to-end encrypted for security, according to details from leaker site WABetaInfo. User phone numbers would also be hidden during transfers, adding an extra layer of privacy. This allows users to comfortably share files even with non-contacts nearby.
The feature is expected to rely on a combination of Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and WebRTC to enable both online and offline sharing capabilities. Allowing transfers over both cellular data and Wi-Fi provides flexibility, while offline Bluetooth support ensures sharing works even without an internet connection.
How This Compares to Android Quick Share and Samsung’s Rebranding
WhatsApp’s planned capability sounds very similar to the Quick Share file sharing option that Android and Samsung recently unified under one brand.
Announced at CES 2024 and rolling out more widely in February, Quick Share enables seamless content sharing between Android phones and Chromebooks or Windows PCs.
With Quick Share becoming a consistent, cross-device sharing standard across Android, WhatsApp’s proprietary peer-to-peer sharing could end up confusing some users.
However, it may still benefit loyal WhatsApp users who regularly share files over the messaging platform and want that same frictionless experience when transferring to nearby users.
WhatsApp’s History of Fragmentation
This isn’t the first time a WhatsApp feature has seemingly duplicated existing functionality on Android. WhatsApp also developed custom video and audio calling options when Google Duo already offered a polished, native video calling solution for Android users.
Given WhatsApp’s ubiquity as a global messaging platform, new features tailored specifically for its user base make sense for driving further engagement.
Yet with Android working to unify experiences like file sharing across devices, there is a risk of fragmentation confusing users who just want seamless transfers regardless of the underlying delivery method.
