Apple File System is designed to run with devices powered by macOS 10.13 High Sierra and later versions. However, if you are using an older version of macOS, users can still use the macOS extended file system. The latest APFS format comes with its pros and cons. For SSDs as well as some specific types of files, APFS is still considered the best bet. Apple introduced the new file system in 2017, and you can notice that your file system has changed from HFS+ to APFS by navigating to Disk Utility if you are using a newer Mac device.
Pros of APFS
1. Enormous Speed
It is one key characteristic of the new APFS, and it is quick. Irrespective of whether it is about transferring files or copying or managing the files, APFS has made it quicker than ever before. This faster attribute can prove to be beneficial for those users who are dealing with huge files.
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2. Enhanced Security
APFS ensures the data remains safe since it contains both single and multi-key encryption of data. For users to whom security is a key criterion, this feature proves to be of utmost importance whenever they deal with file-sharing and the transfer of data.
3. Reduced Metadata Corruption
With the introduction of APFS, file corruption or metadata corruption has become less common compared to HFS+. No users wish to have a file getting corrupted scenario as it could impact their work in progress adversely.
4. Crashing Instances has become less
APFS comes with enhanced crash protection compared to HFS+. Crashing can be an annoying issue during work as it may not be easier for the user to bring the system back and up running quickly, and it could be a time-consuming process. With APFS, Apple ensures that such scenarios are minimized in a significant manner.
Cons of APFS
1. Running into Problems using Time Machine
If you think of using the Time Machine feature with Apple File System or APFS, there is a greater possibility of problems. It is because the Time Machine backup drives are designed to be formatted using the HFS+ system only. Therefore the problem occurs. At the same time, it will still be read by the APFS system.
2. Does not support an older operating system
It would be best if you did not think that the new file system created by you is backward compatible with APFS. It would be best if you kept in mind that APFS does not support older versions of macOS, including OSX and older Sierra versions of the MacBook operating system.
3. No significant speed difference in regular hard drives
Even though APFS works well with Flash and SSD optimized machines, it does not make much of a difference in speed and performance within regular hard drives.
4. Data Recovery could be challenging.
If you think that recovering the data is hassle-free using APFS, think again. Data recovery is considered a complicated process using APFS compared to HFS+. If you are using the software, you will be able to find that the software even fails to recognize the file system itself. The only way for successful data recovery would be to consult any professional who can recover the data. But calling out a professional means more investment. Similarly, there are more pros and cons in various other aspects such as NVRAM utilization, integrity checksums, snapshots, etc.
Conclusion
As long as there is no need for you to use features such as Time Machine or any other features available in the older version of MacBook, it is completely fine and highly recommended to use the APFS file system with your new MacBook device. The new APFS file system will be installed by default if you are using a new Mac device. The pros outweigh the cons for users making use of the APFS file system. However, if you want to use the Time Machine feature or a Mac device that runs on an older macOS version, then the HFS+ file system would be the best fit for your requirements. A lot depends on the user and the type of Mac device they are using, whether it is new or old. It is up to the user to decide which one they should go for. The article explains in detail the pros and cons of APFS as mentioned above.
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