APFS for external hdd time machine?

A lot of bloggers are saying to use HFS+ for an external hard drive for time machine back ups. However, Apple recommend APFS and don't specify hard drive or SSD. Would you recommend APFS? I have a WD MyBook 12TB and am running Monterey.

iMac Pro, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 9, 2023 05:33 AM

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Posted on Feb 9, 2023 08:56 AM

Very minor caveat: if your backup disk is connected to an AirPort Time Capsule or an AirPort Extreme it needs to be formatted "the old way." Those devices do not recognize APFS.


If it's connected directly to your Mac use APFS. It conveys nothing but advantages.

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APFS for external hdd time machine?

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