Which file system is utilized by macOS and iOS devices?

macOS and iOS devices utilize the Apple File System (APFS) as their primary file system. This system is specifically designed for the modern storage needs of Apple devices and incorporates features tailored for solid-state drives (SSDs), such as space efficiency, faster file access, and enhanced encryption capabilities.

APFS offers improved performance through copy-on-write functionality, which helps to prevent data corruption and enhances overall reliability. Additionally, it supports features like snapshots, which allow users to capture the state of the file system at a specific point in time, facilitating backup and restore operations without the need for downtime.

In contrast, the other options listed—FAT32, NTFS, and HFS+—are either outdated for Apple devices or designed for different operating systems. FAT32, while widely used, has significant limitations like a maximum file size of 4GB, making it unsuitable for modern needs. NTFS is primarily associated with Windows systems and does not offer full compatibility with macOS without third-party software. HFS+ was used by earlier versions of macOS but has largely been replaced by APFS as the default file system in more recent operating systems due to its more advanced features.