Why is the Institutional Recovery Key (IRK) not recommended for managing FileVault on Apple silicon Macs?

The choice indicating that Target Disk Mode is not supported is correct because on Apple silicon Macs, the architecture and recovery processes differ significantly from Intel Macs. Specifically, the implementation of FileVault and the mechanism for data recovery are handled differently. Apple silicon Macs do not have the same capabilities for using Target Disk Mode as Intel Macs, meaning that the typical recovery processes that involve this mode may not be applicable.

In contrast, if one considers the implications of using an Institutional Recovery Key (IRK) on these devices, it can lead to confusion and potential data loss if users attempt to engage recovery methods that are not fully supported. Since the IRK is intended for specific institutional use cases, it may inadvertently restrict access or recovery options in environments that are not configured properly for these architectures.

Understanding the architecture of Apple silicon and how it manages recovery and encryption is crucial. This reinforces the idea that adopting an IRK for FileVault management on these newer Macs might complicate matters rather than facilitate secure and straightforward data recovery.