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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aplus-mac-apfs-default

Which file system is the default for Mac computers using macOS 10.13 or later?

APFS, Apple File System.

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  1. NTFS
  2. ext4
  3. APFS ✔

Why: APFS is designed for flash and SSD storage and adds encryption, space sharing and snapshots. NTFS is the Windows file system and ext4 is common on Linux.

Huh, didn't know that: APFS can also be used with older hard disk drives and external drives.

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References

Answer: APFS. APFS is designed for flash and SSD storage and adds encryption, space sharing and snapshots. NTFS is the Windows file system and ext4 is common on Linux.

  1. File system formats in Disk Utility, Apple Support support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/file-system-formats-dsku19ed921c/mac
    Apple File System (APFS), the default file system for Mac computers using macOS 10.13 or later
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. File system formats in Disk Utility, Apple Support support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/file-system-formats-dsku19ed921c/mac
    File systems that are compatible with Windows
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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