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Mac OS Extended is Apple’s name for HFS Plus, also called HFS+. It is a disk format that remains useful for some Mac startup disks and Time Machine backups, but the right choice depends on your macOS version, drive type, and what the disk will store.
What does Mac OS Extended mean?
Mac OS Extended and HFS Plus (HFS+) are names for the same file system. “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” is a commonly encountered variant. Apple also lists “Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)” among formats used in certain contexts. These labels identify available format variants; Apple’s guidance cited here does not provide a detailed technical comparison of journaling or case sensitivity.
Formatting a disk is not the same as simply renaming it: erasing and reformatting a volume permanently deletes its data. Back up anything you need before changing a disk’s format. Apple’s guidance on encrypted Mac OS Extended disks explains the current compatibility issue and related options.
Should you use Mac OS Extended or APFS?
Choose based on the disk’s role and the macOS version, rather than treating one format as best for every Mac. Apple recommends APFS for startup storage on macOS High Sierra or later, particularly when the startup device is an SSD. For an external startup device, Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is acceptable with a traditional hard drive and required for macOS Sierra 10.12 or earlier. Apple’s external storage guidance covers these distinctions.
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| Use | Apple’s guidance |
|---|---|
| External startup disk with macOS High Sierra or later | APFS is recommended, especially for an SSD. Apple’s guidance also says an installation on an external device is specific to the Mac model; do not assume it will start a different model. |
| External startup disk with macOS Sierra 10.12 or earlier | Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is required. |
| Traditional hard drive used as an external startup disk | Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is acceptable. |
| New Time Machine backup disk | Apple prefers APFS or APFS Encrypted. |
| Existing or new Time Machine disk in a supported Mac OS Extended format | Time Machine still supports Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled). |
| Media used with Apple Compressor | Apple says to use APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for best performance in Compressor; this product-specific advice is not a universal speed ranking. |
For a new Time Machine disk, Apple’s preference for APFS does not mean an existing Mac OS Extended backup disk must be erased immediately. Follow the guidance for the disk’s purpose before deciding to reformat it. Apple’s Time Machine disk guide lists the supported formats.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changes for encrypted Mac OS Extended disks in macOS 28?
Apple says macOS 28 and later will support unencrypted Mac OS Extended volumes, but not encrypted ones. Apple says Macs running macOS 26 may notify users about an encrypted Mac OS Extended disk that will not be compatible with macOS 28 or later. This compatibility notice concerns encrypted volumes; it is not a blanket statement that all Mac OS Extended disks stop working.
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To check a volume, open Disk Utility, choose View > Show Only Volumes, select the volume, and inspect the information beneath its name for “Mac OS Extended” and “Encrypted.” If it is an affected volume, Apple lists converting eligible volumes to APFS, decrypting them, or erasing and reformatting as APFS or APFS Encrypted as possible options. Apple excludes encrypted Time Machine backup disks from the listed conversion and decryption solutions. Consult Apple’s detailed instructions before changing an encrypted disk; erasing it permanently deletes its contents.
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- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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