Apple File System (APFS) is a proprietary file system developed and deployed by Apple. When using Disk Utility to partition your new hard drive, you are presented with a choice of potential file systems. The list includes terms like “APFS” and “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” to choose from.
APFS, or “Apple File System,” is one of the new features in macOS High Sierra. It’s optimized for solid state drives (SSDs) and other all-flash storage devices, though it will also work on mechanical and hybrid drives.
Mac OS Extended, also known as HFS Plus or HFS+, is the file system used on all Macs from 1998 until now. On macOS High Sierra, it’s used on all mechanical and hybrid drives, and older versions of macOS used it by default for all drives.
ExFAT is the best cross platform option, designed to work on Windows and macOS systems.
Booting from Internal HD APFS (Mac is APSF-compatible):
A. Mac sees external HD APFS.
B. Mac sees external HD GUID.
Booting from External HD GUID (Mac is APSF-compatible):
A. Mac boots but does not see internal HD APFS
B. Mac can still erase internal HD APFS
Booting from Internal HD GUID (Mac is not APSF-compatible):
A. Mac does not see external HD APFS, but can erase it
B. Mac will not boot from external HD APFS
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