Developer Andre Eikmeyer has submitted a set of Linux kernel patches for review. If merged into the mainline kernel, these changes will enable AirDrop support on Intel-based Mac computers equipped with the T2 security chip.
The proposed patches modify the Broadcom brcmfmac driver to leverage Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL). This technology allows for file transfers between the Mac and other Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads.
According to the developer, the T2 chip firmware handles the AWDL network interface and frame scheduling. The user-space component, named t2-drop, integrates with NetworkManager to manage device discovery and data exchange.
Testing shows that the feature is limited to T2-equipped hardware. For instance, the MacBookPro14,1 model with a BCM4350 chip and firmware version 7.35.180.133 does not support the required interface_create request, returning a BCME_UNSUPPORTED error.
