OnePlus solves major Android-iPhone problem with OxygenOS 15 update

OnePlus may just have the best solution to one of the most annoying problems related to the Android-iOS rift. Its latest OxygenOS 15, which began rolling out to OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R earlier this month, has a new feature that allows Android users to transfer files to an iPhone seamlessly without involving any workarounds or complex data-sharing methods.

The latest Android 15-based update for OnePlus phones has a 'Share with iPhone' feature, which enables file transfers with an iPhone with a few taps. Since Apple does not allow peer-to-peer file transfers outside of its ecosystem, OnePlus' new feature relies on Wi-Fi, which is also why the process involves a few steps for both the OnePlus and iPhone users.

How to share files

OnePlus smartphones running OxygenOS 15 will show a new Share with iPhone option when a user tries to share a file, say an image. Tapping the option will start searching for an iPhone in the network. Since Apple does not let third-parties use its file-sharing network, iPhone users are required to download the O+ Connect app from the App Store. After giving it the necessary permissions, the app will make the iPhone discoverable to nearby OnePlus smartphones with the 'Share with iPhone' option turned on. The OnePlus phone user will now see the iPhone with the O+ Connect app open. Users on both smartphones can now follow on-screen instructions to begin transferring files.

While the feature supports most file types, some platform-exclusive files cannot be shared between a OnePlus phone and an iPhone. Also, since both devices use Wi-Fi, where the recipient device acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot, they may disconnect from other Wi-Fi networks during the process. The Share with iPhone option will be available on OnePlus phones compatible with OxygenOS 15, which means owners of very old OnePlus smartphones are out of luck.