One of the new features in Apple’s macOS High Sierra is their new APFS file system (Apple File System). This innovative file system is currently only supported by Solid State Drives (SSDs) on the Mac. The introduction of APFS brings several improvements over the previous HFS+ file system, including better performance, enhanced security, and more efficient storage management.
APFS and Fusion Drives
Apple’s own Fusion Drives, which combine a traditional hard drive with a smaller SSD to offer a balance of storage capacity and speed, are not supported by the APFS at the moment. However, Apple has confirmed that they plan to add support for Fusion Drives in the future. This is a significant development for users who rely on Fusion Drives for their storage needs, as it promises to bring the benefits of APFS to a broader range of devices.
During the beta testing phase of macOS High Sierra, APFS was supported by Fusion Drives. This support was later removed before the final release of the operating system. Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, has confirmed that the company will bring APFS support to Fusion Drives in a future update. This decision indicates that Apple encountered issues with the implementation of APFS on Fusion Drives, which they are working to resolve.
Benefits of APFS
The APFS file system offers several advantages over the older HFS+ system. One of the key benefits is improved performance. APFS is designed to be more efficient with modern storage technologies, particularly SSDs. It features faster file operations, such as copying and moving files, which can significantly enhance the overall user experience.
Another important advantage of APFS is enhanced security. APFS includes built-in encryption, which helps protect user data from unauthorized access. This is particularly important in an era where data breaches and cyber threats are becoming increasingly common. With APFS, users can have greater confidence that their data is secure.
APFS also offers better storage management. It uses a technique called “cloning” to create copies of files without taking up additional space. This can be particularly useful for tasks such as creating backups or duplicating files for editing. Additionally, APFS supports “snapshots,” which allow users to capture the state of their file system at a specific point in time. This can be invaluable for recovering from accidental deletions or system crashes.
Future Prospects
As of now, there are no specific details on when APFS support will be added to Fusion Drives. The delay suggests that Apple encountered technical challenges that need to be addressed before they can roll out this feature. However, the confirmation from Craig Federighi indicates that Apple is committed to bringing APFS to Fusion Drives, and users can expect this update in a future macOS release.
The addition of APFS support for Fusion Drives will be a welcome enhancement for many Mac users. Fusion Drives offer a cost-effective way to achieve a balance between storage capacity and performance, and the integration of APFS will further improve their efficiency and reliability. Users who have invested in Fusion Drives can look forward to enjoying the benefits of APFS, including faster file operations, better security, and more efficient storage management.
In conclusion, while the current lack of APFS support for Fusion Drives in macOS High Sierra may be disappointing for some users, Apple’s commitment to adding this support in the future is a positive sign. The APFS file system represents a significant advancement in file system technology, and its eventual integration with Fusion Drives will enhance the overall Mac experience for many users.
Source MacRumors
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