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airdrop between iOS 8 & Yosemite

Has anyone seen documentation detailing which Mac models running Yosemite will be able to airdrop to iOS 8? For example, will some of the older Macbook models which can run Yosemite be unable to do this function?

Posted on Oct 17, 2014 6:07 AM

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93 replies

Oct 17, 2014 6:48 AM in response to eayost

See this article http://www.everymac.com/mac-answers/os-x-lion-faq/what-is-airdrop-which-macs-are -compatible.html

and nd from the Apple page on Airdrop

"AirDrop requires that both Mac computers include Wi-Fi hardware that supports AirDrop mode. Both Mac computers need to have OS X Lion or later installed.

To see if your Mac works with AirDrop, make sure you’re in the Finder by clicking the desktop (the background area of your screen), or by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, check to see if AirDrop is listed as an option in the Go menu. If you don't see AirDrop listed, your Mac doesn't support this feature.

You won't be able to receive AirDrop files if you have enabled "Block all incoming connections" in the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences.

Macs that include AirDrop support are the same as, or newer than, the models listed below.

  • MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
  • MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
  • iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)

*The MacBook Pro (17-Inch Late 2008) and the white MacBook (Late 2008) do not support AirDrop."

Oct 17, 2014 7:11 AM in response to datz

I've gotten it to work with my Late 2010 or newer Air with my Late 2009 iMac when Lion came out, but have been unsuccessful doing it between iOS and Mac. I'm wondering if specifically doing iOS8 to Mac OSX Yosemite requires different requirements than stated in the article above (which is talking about Mac to Mac most likely as its from a FAQ about Lion).

Oct 17, 2014 8:44 AM in response to datz

I've read other forums saying iOS 8.1 isn't required (like it is for Yosemite to do SMS messaging), but that is a possibility. If it just won't work because of a requirement for newer hardware between iOS and Mac, that's fine as long as they're upfront about it. Waiting until iOS 8.1 to test again seems reasonable, unless there are people that already using AirDrop to Yosemite without it.

Oct 19, 2014 5:37 AM in response to eayost

Here are some newer articles


For the iOS side http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5887

For the Mac side http://support.apple.com/kb/ht6510


Here is a general troubleshooting Continuity article which may help http://support.apple.com/kb/ts5458


Finder has to be open and viewing the Airdrop to be seen and the allow by at the bottom has to be set correctly.


My machines are too old to test as they don't have Bluetooth LE but It should go.

Oct 19, 2014 6:16 AM in response to Alexander Robinson1

I just installed Yosemite yesterday on my Retina MacBook Pro (Mid 2012). With the AirDrop window open in the Finder, and with my iPhone 6's AirDrop turned on, I can see my iPhone from my MacBook Pro (and send files appropriately), but not vice versa. Both are logged in to iCloud with the same Apple ID (mine).


This is regardless of whether they are set to Contacts Only or to Everyone.


I've tried "rebooting" my phone with no success, as well as turning AirDrop off and on.


Any ideas? This isn't dependent on 8.1 is it?

airdrop between iOS 8 & Yosemite

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