APFS: 9 facts you need to know about Apple's new file system (FAQ)

APFS FAQ 9 facts Apple File System new file system questions answers

The large company from Cupertino has already released its Apple File System for developers under the acronym APFS. To WWDC 2017 or by the September Keynote 2017 at the latest, the new file system will replace the HFS + file system on Mac, MacBook, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and others. To prepare you for it, here are 11 APFS facts.

APFS, or Apple File System, is the new file system for macOS, iOS, watchOS and tvOS from 2017. You can find details in this post.
APFS, or Apple File System, is the new file system for macOS, iOS, watchOS and tvOS from 2017. You can find details in this post.

Why is Apple replacing the HFS + file system?

The Apple file system HFS was introduced in 1985 with the Macintosh system software, then HFS + came out in 1998, which is no longer up to date. There were always updates and restructuring, but modern computing now needs a modern system. Both large amounts of data and current storage media (SSD) play a role here.

How does APFS affect cross-media?

Although the Apple systems from iOS and macOS to tvOS and watchOS all currently run with HFS +, there are sometimes serious differences in the details such as source code, encryption and therefore also the development on the part of Apple. With APFS everything should be brought to one level, the inter-media exchange becomes easier, faster and more comfortable for the user (and the developer).

Will the Apple File System be faster?

Not per se, but since the program start and the data call have a higher priority, it will be faster feel. Waiting times are shortened, but other processes can be slowed down in the short term.

Why is APFS better for Solid State Drives (SSD)?

Flash memories, including SSD hard disks, operate differently than HDD hard disks. Among other things, APFS is made to recognize, clean up and use storage space. In short: it's on the TRIM command optimized. This also helps to delete large amounts of data faster.

Will APFS add more storage space?

As already in this article Explained in detail, the Apple File System includes, among other things, “Space Sharing”, which should especially help those who use partitions to avoid loss of storage space. Otherwise, "Clone" also provides (felt) more storage space.

Will APFS give up certain HFS + features?

Apple is known to leave out something old with something new. Be it the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 or other interfaces on the MacBook. This methodology is also evident in the file system. At least in the current beta, APFS offers neither Time Machine nor FileVault or Fusion Drive

Will APFS be open source?

The Apple File System is not currently open source. However, over time the system could be opened - as some Apple examples show (some have already been published openly): LLVM, Mach Kernel, WebKit, Swift.

How can I test APFS before it is released?

Have you installed the iOS 10.3 beta? Then you're already fully involved;) With the current macOS Sierra Beta, you also have the opportunity to play around with APFS, but only under certain restrictions.

Where can I find out more about APFS?

You can find more information, data and facts about the Apple File System here:

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