APFS is a modern file system developed by Apple Inc. and used as the default storage format on Apple operating systems, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Introduced in 2017 as a replacement for HFS+, it is designed to meet the needs of modern computing by prioritising performance, security, reliability, and efficient use of storage, especially on solid-state drives (SSDs).
APFS uses a 64-bit architecture and a copy-on-write metadata design, which improves data integrity and protects against corruption during crashes or power loss. It includes native encryption, space sharing (allowing multiple volumes to dynamically share free space within a single container), and support for snapshots and cloning, enabling efficient backups, system recovery, and fast duplication of files without immediately copying data.