However, it is essential to note that Mac OS Extended is incompatible with Windows. The cross-compatibility aspect of Mac OS Extended is another attractive feature. If you want to format a portable flash drive as a backup for Time Machine, Mac OS Extended is a perfect choice. Moreover, Mac OS Extended is still the default option for macOS Time Machine backup drives. Apple released Mac OS Extended to replace the then existing file system HFS in 1998. Mac OS Extended is also known as HFS Extended, HFS Plus, or HFS+. The inability of the APFS file system to be compatible with the older macOS versions contributes to the relevance of Mac OS Extended. The primary reason for using Mac OS Extended is the well-known reverse compatibility. Though the introduction of the APFS file system has sidelined the Mac OS Extended significantly, there are still some advantages that one can get. However, Mac OS Extended is used only on hybrid and mechanical drives in macOS High Sierra and later versions. There is no doubt this is the most preferred hard drive format choice for most Mac users. Since 1998, Mac systems have been using Mac OS Extended as the default file system. In that case, the preferred choice would be ExFat. Moreover, it is also not compatible with Windows-based systems.

If that is the case, you will need to reformat APFS to Mac OS Extended. For instance, the lack of reverse compatibility makes it impossible for APFS to be used on the older macOS versions. However, there are some disadvantages too.

That means users don't have to take the extra headache of estimating how much space each partition needs. It occurs automatically and is based on the need of each partition. The space-sharing feature of APFS is impressive, and there is no need for manual partition of the storage space in this case.ĪPFS offers a dynamic storage space distribution method. There is no need to worry about file corruption for various reasons. Now, APFS doesn't have to examine each metadata file.Īnother unique advantage of APFS is the reliable storage of data. The metadata storage is much more accessible, making it possible for the file system to operate seamlessly. It is this speed that makes the APFS a desirable option.Ĭhanges in the storage and management of metadata also lead to a faster directory in APFS.

Moreover, copying and pasting files within the APFS hard drives occurs within seconds. One of the massive advantages that you can get from APFS is the improved data-copying speed. The main reason for introducing this file system was to fix the various issues of Mac OS Extended.ĪPFS is highly compatible with Solid State Drives or SSDs. First released in 2016, this file system is now the default option for devices based on macOS High Sierra and later. APFS, or the Apple File System, is the latest file system by Apple for Mac users.

Apfs format mac