NameDrop simplifies contact sharing between iPhones running iOS 17 by letting users tap their devices together. The feature displays a Contact Poster preview with sharing options, allowing users to choose between sending or receiving contact information. Both devices must be unlocked and running compatible software for the exchange to work properly.

The system uses the same proximity detection as AirDrop and Apple Pay, requiring only a brief touch of the top edges. Users can customize what information transfers, selecting specific phone numbers or email addresses instead of sharing everything. A Contact Poster—essentially a profile picture for your Apple Account—appears during the exchange, making the process feel more personal than traditional contact sharing methods.

Apple Watch supports NameDrop too, though with fewer visual cues due to the smaller display. The watch version offers only Continue or Receive Only options without the full Contact Poster preview. For users concerned about privacy, the feature includes approval prompts and can be disabled entirely through Settings > General > AirDrop.

NameDrop represents Apple's push toward frictionless interactions between its devices, removing the need to manually type phone numbers while maintaining user control over what information gets shared.