APFS vs. HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) – A Comprehensive Guide

PAGE CONTENT:

For macOS users, the file system is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of the operating system. It governs how data is stored, accessed, and managed on storage devices, influencing performance, reliability, and compatibility. Apple has used two primary file systems over the years: HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) and its successor, APFS (Apple File System). Understanding the differences between these file systems is essential, especially for users looking to optimize their systems or migrate data. This article provides a detailed comparison of APFS and HFS+, exploring their features, benefits, and use cases.

Learn About APFS and HFS+ (also called Mac OS Extended)

A file system is the foundation of data management on any operating system. It organizes data into files and directories, allowing users and applications to access, modify, and store information efficiently. The choice of a file system impacts the speed of data access, storage efficiency, and the system's ability to recover from errors.

Apple introduced HFS+ in 1998 as a replacement for the older Hierarchical File System (HFS). For nearly two decades, HFS+ served as the default file system for macOS. However, with advancements in hardware and growing demands for speed and efficiency, Apple launched APFS in 2017 alongside macOS High Sierra. This modern file system is designed specifically for flash storage, addressing the limitations of its predecessor.

🔖HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)

HFS+, also known as Mac OS Extended, was a groundbreaking innovation when it replaced the original HFS. It offered significant improvements in file management and storage capabilities, making it suitable for the hardware of its time.

Features and Characteristics of HFS+:

• Journaling: Maintains a log of changes to enhance data integrity and allow recovery from crashes or unexpected shutdowns.
• 32-bit Architecture: Suitable for earlier systems but struggles to meet modern storage demands.
• Metadata and Resource Forks: Provides robust handling of file attributes, ensuring better organization and compatibility with macOS features.
• Scalability Limitations: Faces challenges in handling large files and extensive directories.
• Performance on SSDs: Degrades on high-speed storage due to inefficiencies in file management.

Advantages of HFS+:

• Stability: Offers a reliable file system experience for macOS users.
• Backward Compatibility: Works seamlessly with older macOS systems, making it ideal for legacy hardware.
• Continued Support: Still usable for specific scenarios, such as external hard drives or environments requiring older hardware.

Limitations of HFS+:

• SSD Optimization: Does not leverage the full capabilities of modern SSDs, resulting in slower performance.
• File Size and Directory Handling: Struggles with large datasets, limiting its suitability for professional users.
• Outdated Design: Lacks scalability and modern features found in newer file systems like APFS

🔖APFS (Apple File System)

APFS was introduced to address the shortcomings of HFS+ and to meet the demands of modern hardware, particularly SSDs. It represents a significant leap forward in file system technology for macOS.

Key Features and Improvements of APFS:

• 64-bit Architecture: Handles massive volumes and large files with greater efficiency compared to older file systems.
• Space-Sharing: Allows multiple volumes to dynamically share storage space without rigid partitions.
• Snapshots: Provides read-only, point-in-time copies of the file system, useful for backups and recovery.
• Copy-on-Write Mechanism: Ensures data integrity by writing changes to a new location before updating the file system.
• Performance Optimization: Delivers faster read and write operations, especially on SSDs, improving overall file access speeds.
• Built-in Encryption: Offers robust security features without compromising performance, making it suitable for sensitive data.

Advantages of APFS:

• SSD Optimization: Specifically designed to maximize the performance of modern SSDs.
• Enhanced Scalability: Supports larger files and directories, catering to modern computing demands.
• Advanced Features: Includes snapshots, space-sharing, and encryption for greater flexibility and security.
• Wide Applicability: Ideal for both everyday users and professionals requiring efficient and reliable storage solutions.

Limitations of APFS:

• Compatibility Issues: Not supported on macOS versions earlier than High Sierra, limiting its use on older systems.
• HDD Performance: Does not perform as well on traditional hard disk drives as it does on SSDs.

Detailed Comparison: APFS vs. HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)

◾Performance

The introduction of APFS marked a paradigm shift in how macOS handles storage, particularly on SSDs. APFS's advanced architecture allows it to perform significantly better than HFS+ in various operations. For instance, file duplication is instantaneous with APFS due to its copy-on-write mechanism, which creates metadata references instead of duplicating the actual data. This feature not only saves time but also conserves storage space.

On SSDs, APFS optimizes read and write operations by aligning them with the high-speed capabilities of flash storage. It reduces latency and increases throughput, enabling faster boot times, quicker file access, and improved app performance. In contrast, HFS+ struggles to leverage SSD speeds due to its older design, which was primarily intended for HDDs.

However, on traditional HDDs, the performance gap between APFS and HFS+ narrows. HFS+ performs adequately on spinning disks because it was designed with them in mind, while APFS may exhibit some inefficiencies in random-access patterns common with HDDs.

◾Scalability

Scalability is another area where APFS outshines HFS+. Its 64-bit architecture supports extremely large volumes and files, making it ideal for modern computing environments where terabyte-sized storage is common. For example, APFS can efficiently handle a volume containing millions of files without significant slowdowns.

HFS+, with its 32-bit structure, was adequate for earlier computing needs but faces limitations as storage demands increase. Large directories or files approaching the 4 GB limit can lead to performance degradation and inefficiencies in HFS+.

◾Compatibility

Compatibility is a crucial consideration when choosing between APFS and HFS+. HFS+ maintains broad compatibility with older macOS versions and hardware, making it the preferred choice for users with legacy systems or those who work in environments with mixed device generations.

APFS, on the other hand, is compatible only with macOS High Sierra (10.13) and later. This limitation can pose challenges in certain scenarios, such as sharing external drives with devices running older macOS versions. Additionally, booting older macOS systems from an APFS-formatted drive is not supported, further restricting its usability in mixed environments.

◾Data Integrity and Security

APFS significantly improves data integrity and security over HFS+. Its copy-on-write mechanism ensures that any changes to a file are first written to a new location before updating the file system metadata. This approach minimizes the risk of data corruption, even in the event of a system crash or power failure.

Furthermore, APFS supports snapshots, which create point-in-time copies of the file system. These snapshots are invaluable for data recovery, allowing users to revert to a previous state without affecting the rest of the system. For example, Time Machine backups are more efficient when combined with APFS snapshots, as only the changes since the last snapshot are stored.

In terms of security, APFS includes native encryption, supporting both full-disk and per-file encryption. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals handling sensitive data, offering an additional layer of protection without the need for third-party tools. HFS+, while it can be encrypted via macOS tools, lacks the same depth of integration and flexibility.

Use Cases

Criterion	APFS	HFS+ (Mac OS Extended)
Primary Hardware	Optimized for SSDs, delivering high-speed performance.	Designed for HDDs but performs adequately on older SSDs.
Compatibility	Compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13) and later.	Compatible with older macOS versions, making it suitable for legacy systems.
Data Management Needs	Ideal for users needing advanced features like snapshots, space-sharing, and copy-on-write.	Basic journaling for data integrity; lacks modern features like snapshots and encryption.
Performance Requirements	Best choice for users requiring high-speed read/write operations, such as video editing or gaming.	Suitable for general-purpose use, especially on older hardware.
Data Security	Provides built-in encryption for sensitive data, both full-disk and per-file.	Can be encrypted using macOS tools but lacks the depth of APFS's native encryption.
Scalability	Handles large files, directories, and volumes efficiently due to its 64-bit architecture.	Limited scalability, struggling with large datasets and extensive directory structures.
Backup and Recovery	Supports snapshots for efficient backups and seamless recovery.	Relies on basic journaling; lacks built-in features for advanced backup mechanisms.
Legacy System Usage	Not compatible with older macOS systems.	The preferred choice for external drives shared with devices running older macOS versions.
External Drive Sharing	Suitable for modern macOS systems but not backward-compatible.	Compatible with both older and modern macOS systems, making it better for mixed environments.
Specialized Applications	Recommended for professionals in data-intensive fields like 3D rendering, virtualization, and software development.	Adequate for general use, including office work and personal storage on legacy systems.

Transitioning Between HFS+ and APFS

◾When to Upgrade

The decision to upgrade from HFS+ to APFS depends on the user's hardware and needs. If you use a modern macOS device with an SSD, upgrading to APFS is highly recommended to take full advantage of its performance and features. However, if you rely on older hardware or software, staying with HFS+ might be a more practical choice.

◾How to Upgrade

Upgrading from HFS+ to APFS is straightforward and can be done during a macOS installation or update. When installing macOS High Sierra or later, the system automatically converts compatible HFS+ drives to APFS. For external drives, users can use Disk Utility to manually convert the file system.

Related link: how to format a HFS+ drive to APFS.

◾Caveats and Warnings

Before upgrading, it is crucial to back up your data. The conversion process is generally safe, but there is always a risk of data loss. Additionally, remember that APFS is not backward-compatible, meaning you cannot access APFS-formatted drives on older macOS versions.

Practical Recommendations

For SSD Users:

APFS is the clear choice for SSD users. Its design optimizes the performance of flash storage, ensuring faster file access and better overall efficiency.

For HDD Users:

While APFS works on HDDs, its performance benefits are less pronounced. HFS+ may still be a suitable option for traditional hard drives, particularly if you prioritize compatibility with older systems.

For Compatibility Needs:

Users with older macOS versions or hardware should stick to HFS+ to avoid compatibility issues. This is particularly relevant for shared drives or environments where older devices are in use.

For Developers and Professionals:

The choice of file system can impact workflows, especially for developers and professionals dealing with large files or complex directories. APFS is better suited for these scenarios due to its scalability, speed, and advanced features like snapshots.

Conclusion

The evolution from HFS+ to APFS reflects Apple's commitment to optimizing macOS for modern hardware. While HFS+ served its purpose admirably for many years, it has been surpassed by APFS in terms of performance, scalability, and security.

For most users, APFS is the superior choice, particularly if you use a modern Mac with an SSD. Its advanced features make it an excellent fit for both casual users and professionals. However, HFS+ still has its place in specific use cases, especially for older systems or compatibility with legacy software.

As macOS continues to evolve, the importance of understanding and choosing the right file system cannot be overstated. Whether you stick with HFS+ or embrace APFS, making an informed decision will ensure a smoother and more efficient computing experience.