AirDrop is now smarter and faster for large file transfers. You can now dramatically speed up AirDrop transfers between your Apple devices by simply connecting them with a compatible cable. This feature solves the problem of slow wireless transfers for large files like 4K videos or extensive photo libraries, giving you the speed of a wired connection with the convenience of AirDrop.
AirDrop now automatically detects when a physical cable is connected between two devices during a transfer. When a cable is present, AirDrop intelligently switches from a wireless to a wired connection to accelerate the transfer speed. The AirDrop live activity notification on your screen will update to confirm it is "Using Wired Connection," so you know the speed boost is active.
To achieve the highest possible speeds, use a high-speed data cable, such as a Thunderbolt or USB 3 rated cable. This feature is especially powerful when used with devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, which supports faster data transfer speeds over its USB-C port.
Wired AirDrop combines the simplicity of AirDrop with the raw speed of a physical connection. By simply plugging in a cable during a transfer, you can save significant time when moving large files between your Apple devices. This makes it an invaluable tool for creative professionals, video editors, and anyone who needs to transfer large amounts of data quickly and reliably.