Introduction
The first developer betas for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 have unveiled a noteworthy feature addition: native support for external drive formatting within the Files app. This enhancement allows users to format various external storage devices directly from their iOS or iPadOS devices.
Key Features Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported Formats | APFS (case sensitive or encrypted), ExFAT, MS-DOS (FAT) |
| Compatible Devices | Flash drives, SD cards, SSDs, hard drives |
| Formatting Process | Erase the Disk prompt via long press on the drive volume |
External Drive Formatting
Supported Formats
The new external drive formatting feature supports multiple file system formats:
- APFS: Including case-sensitive and encrypted variants
- ExFAT
- MS-DOS (FAT)
Compatible Devices
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 users can format a wide range of external storage devices:
- Flash drives
- SD cards
- Solid-state drives (SSDs)
- Hard drives
Formatting Process
To format an external drive, users need to:
- Connect the external drive to their iOS or iPadOS device.
- Open the Files app.
- Long press on the drive volume.
- Select the “Erase Disk” prompt to initiate formatting.
Conclusion
The addition of external drive formatting support in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 significantly enhances the utility of Apple’s mobile operating systems, allowing for greater flexibility and control over external storage management. This feature is especially beneficial for users who frequently use external drives for data transfer and storage.
ALSO READ:
