Android wants to copy Apple’s best copy-paste trick

What’s happened? After having successfully implemented AirDrop to work with iPhones, Google appears to be working on a new feature for Android that would let users copy something on their phone and instantly paste it on another linked device, similar to Apple’s Universal Clipboard. As spotted by Android Authority, early findings from Android 17 development builds suggest this feature is already being tested behind the scenes. While Google hasn’t announced it yet, the groundwork in the system files points to a major cross-device upgrade coming soon.

• Developers spotted references to a new UniversalClipboardManager in Android 17’s code.
• These files sit under the android.companion.datatransfer.continuity namespace, hinting at device-to-device syncing.
• The current implementation appears to support text sharing first, with possible expansion later.
• The system relies on Android’s clipboard listener and Google Play Services to broadcast clipboard data across devices.

Why this is important: A built-in Universal Clipboard would remove one of the most annoying workflow gaps between mobile and PC for Android users. Today, if you copy something on your phone and need to paste it somewhere on your desktop, you can either chat to yourself, email it to yourself, or use a third-party app to paste it on a PC. With this feature, Android could bring real continuity across devices, something iOS users have enjoyed for years.

• It could speed up multitasking workflows: copy a link or code on your phone, then paste it on your PC without switching tools.
• Boost productivity for users who work across devices, especially students, creators, and remote professionals.
• It signals Google taking cross-device integration more seriously, which could make Android ecosystems tighter and more cohesive.
• The move may increase the value proposition of Android PCs and tablets by strengthening their linkage with phones

Why should I care? If you use both an Android phone and a PC (especially an Android-based PC or device), this feature could simplify your day-to-day tasks. Instead of juggling multiple apps or emailing yourself links, you’d copy something once and paste it wherever you are. That means less friction, and for someone who switches devices a lot, that adds up.

On the flip side, it does raise privacy and security questions. Clipboard content often includes sensitive information like passwords, addresses, or personal notes. Google will need to implement strict safeguards, and users should check how device-linking works, whether data is encrypted, and how easy it is to disable the feature. If you prefer keeping each device siloed, you’ll want clarity on how granular the controls are.

Okay, so what’s next? The easiest way to track this feature is to keep an eye on the Android 17 developer previews and early beta builds, since that’s where Universal Clipboard is most likely to show up first. We’ll also soon learn whether Google plans to limit it to specific devices or make it a wider rollout across the Android ecosystem. Either way, it’s a feature that’s guaranteed to draw plenty of attention once it officially appears.