How to Use Apple Namedrop Feature?

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple gave us a sneak peek into the latest iOS update and the features it will bring to iPhones this fall. Amongst the most talked about ones, NameDrop is the one that caught a lot of attention. But what is the Apple NameDrop feature, and how can you use it? 

It extends to Apple’s widely popular AirDrop, allowing users to wirelessly share data between Apple devices. Airdrop has been around for a while, allowing users to share files, photos, videos, links, and other content between compatible devices.

With NameDrop, Apple took wireless sharing to the next level, allowing people to share contact details by bringing the iPhones close. But there is more to it. Let’s find out. 

What Is Apple NameDrop Feature?

The NameDrop feature is an extension of Apple’s AirDrop, specifically designed for iPhones. It will be included in the upcoming iOS 17, released later this year. This feature enables users to effortlessly exchange their contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses, with other individuals.

Android users will find this feature much more familiar since Nearby Share, a similar feature, has been available on Android devices for a while. Finally, Apple appears to be narrowing the gap with Android, at least in wireless sharing capabilities.

However, despite the differing timelines, both companies share a common objective – To make smartphone usage more productive and convenient for their users. 

Here is an overview of Apple NameDrop:

⮞ Bundled with iOS 17 update, which will be released this fall

⮞ Available for iPhone and Apple Watch

⮞  Share contact numbers, emails, and contact photos wirelessly

⮞ Works with devices that are nearby

⮞  Works on all iPhones receiving iOS 17 update (iPhone XR and higher, iPhone SE 2nd Gen)

⮞  Works on Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra, and the Apple Watch Series 6 (or a higher version)

How Does Apple NameDrop Feature Work?

Gone are the days of sharing contact information through texting, third-party IM apps, or verbally reciting it. With NameDrop, you must bring the two devices closer and select the contact you want to share. You can choose the contact photo, phone number, email address, and other details you want to share with another device. 

When you bring your iPhone near the one you want to share the contact with, distinct identification controls for sharing and receiving contacts appear on both screens. You can authenticate the receiver/sender before confirming intentional and controlled sharing. 

Apple also stated that users could select a specific phone number, email address, and contact poster from a contact card they want to share with a nearby iPhone, granting them personalized control over the information exchanged.

However, it’s important to note that the Apple NameDrop feature doesn’t allow for random interactions and requires proper authentication before sharing the contact details. This ensures it’s not a free-for-all where individuals can casually approach someone’s iPhone and walk away with their contacts’ information.

What Else Can I Do With NameDrop?

NameDrop expands beyond contact sharing and offers various other functionalities. By bringing devices close together, you can use NameDrop to share photos and videos through AirDrop conveniently. Furthermore, NameDrop enables you to share activities with the person nearby, such as listening to music via SharePlay, watching live streams, and even playing games.

One notable feature Apple has added is that you don’t need to constantly be in the AirDrop range. Now, you can move away from the recipient with your device, as the remaining media will be seamlessly transmitted over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.

“For those times when someone is sending over a ton of photos or a large video file, and you need to step away, you can now leave AirDrop range, and your content will continue to send securely in full quality over the internet,” – Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Apple Software Engineering.

How To Use Apple NameDrop Feature?

This is how you share a contact using NameDrop:

1. You can access NameDrop through the control centre or Settings menu with a compatible device. Swipe up to launch the Control Center and tap on NameDrop icon.
2. Select the contact you want to send to the nearby iPhone or Apple watch. When prompted, choose what information you wish to share, such as phone number, email, or poster.
3. Bring the two devices close to each other and ensure they stay within a reasonable range. 
4. Once you are ready to share, tap on Share or Send option to initiate the process. 
5. Select the receiving device’s name on your phone and confirm sharing.
6. On the receiving device, a prompt will appear, asking for confirmation to accept the shared contact or photo. Confirm the sharing request to proceed.

After the process, both devices will receive a notification regarding successfully transferring the contact details. 

Which Devices Will Support Apple NameDrop?

NameDrop will initially be accessible on iPhones receiving the iOS 17 update, encompassing iPhone XR and subsequent models. Additionally, Apple has planned to extend this feature to Apple Watches through a forthcoming software update later this year. It’s worth noting that NameDrop functionality necessitates at least an Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra, or an Apple Watch Series 6 (or a newer model). Whether Apple intends to introduce NameDrop to other devices remains to be seen.

When Will Apple NameDrop Release?

As previously stated, the Apple NameDrop feature is part of the upcoming iOS 17. Apple has already made the iOS 17 Beta version available to app developers to optimize their applications for the forthcoming devices.

Apple NameDrop and the stable iOS 17 update have no official release date. However, it is anticipated to become public in the coming weeks. Apple will notify all compatible devices when the update is ready to be downloaded. The same goes for Apple Watch users who are supposed to receive this feature through a software update in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

Frankly, the concept of sharing data with nearby devices is not new. Apple might call it innovation, but this feature has been present for quite some time, dating back to the era of InfraRed connectivity. Remember those bulky Nokia devices with dedicated IR ports for photo sharing?

Likewise, Android devices have long offered similar functionality through NFC, allowing data transfer between two compatible devices. It’s good to witness Apple finally embracing this approach and providing users with a feature they have long desired.

Apple NameDrop is undoubtedly a valuable and convenient feature that eliminates the need to use messaging apps to share contacts. We’ll have to wait for its official release to find out what other functionalities it brings.