220-1102 Question 17
Single answerApple File System (APFS)A user brings in a MacBook with a failing internal SSD. You replace the drive and reinstall macOS, but Disk Utility shows the new drive as unformatted. The user wants the best file system choice for a modern Mac that will run the current version of macOS, support snapshots and strong encryption, and be optimized for SSD storage. Which file system should you choose when erasing the new drive in Disk Utility?
- A
APFS
- B
HFS+ (Mac OS Extended, Journaled)
- C
exFAT
- D
FAT32
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
APFS is the correct choice because the scenario specifically asks for a file system for a modern Mac running a current macOS version on an SSD, with support for snapshots, encryption, and SSD optimization. Apple File System (APFS) is designed for flash and solid-state storage and is the standard file system used by current macOS installations. It also supports features such as snapshots, clones, space sharing, and encryption. HFS+ remains relevant mainly for older Macs, older macOS versions, or certain legacy workflows, but it is not the best-practice choice for a current macOS installation on an SSD. exFAT and FAT32 are interoperability file systems for shared or removable media, not recommended startup-disk formats for macOS. This aligns with Apple's Disk Utility and APFS guidance for modern Mac systems.
- A. Correct.
Correct. APFS is Apple's current default file system for modern versions of macOS, especially on SSD-based Macs. It is optimized for flash/SSD storage and supports features such as snapshots, space sharing, and strong native encryption. In this scenario, those requirements directly match APFS.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. HFS+ was the standard Mac file system before APFS and may still appear in legacy environments, but it is not the best choice here. It does not provide the same modern APFS feature set, including APFS snapshots and the same SSD-focused design. A technician might choose this option if they are familiar with older Mac deployments or legacy compatibility requirements, but those are not the user's needs in this case.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. exFAT is primarily used for cross-platform compatibility between macOS and Windows, especially on removable drives. It is not the recommended file system for a macOS startup disk and does not provide the APFS features requested in the scenario, such as macOS snapshots and APFS-native encryption behavior.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. FAT32 is an older file system with significant limitations, including file size and partition size constraints depending on implementation. It is used mainly for compatibility with older devices and removable media, not as a modern macOS system volume format. Someone might select it thinking broad compatibility is helpful, but that would not meet the technical requirements given.