APFS
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer
| Stands for | Apple File System |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
APFS stands for Apple File System, a computer abbreviation.
File system used by macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS since 2017, optimized for SSDs with instant file cloning, snapshots, strong encryption and space sharing between volumes.
Example: Format the backup drive as APFS before setting up Time Machine on the new MacBook.
Usage notes
APFS replaced HFS+, arriving on iPhones with iOS 10.3 and on Macs with macOS High Sierra. Since macOS Big Sur the system volume is a sealed, read-only snapshot, which makes tampering easy to detect. Copying a file within one APFS volume can be nearly instant because the clone shares data blocks until either copy changes. Windows cannot read APFS without third-party software.
Related abbreviations
More computer abbreviations
- ACPI – Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
- AD – Active Directory
- Alt – Alternate key
- AltGr – Alternate Graphic key
- ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange
- BIOS – Basic Input/Output System
- BOM – Byte order mark
- BSOD – Blue Screen of Death
- Btrfs – B-tree file system
- BYOD – Bring your own device
- CAD – Computer-aided design
- CAM – Computer-aided manufacturing