iOS 18 Brings External Drive Formatting to iPhone & iPad

With the release of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Apple also introduced the capability for users to format external drives directly from their iPhone and iPad using the Files app.

Cloud 'Keep Downloaded' Option Included in iOS 18 and macOS Seuoia

  • Direct Formatting: You can connect an external drive (USB drive, SD card, SSD, hard drive) and format it within the Files app.
  • Supported File Systems: The available formatting options include APFS (Apple File System), exFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT). APFS also offers options for case-sensitive and encrypted formats.
  • Process: The steps described (connect, open Files app, tap and hold drive, select "Erase," choose format, rename, confirm) are accurate based on reports and user experiences with the beta versions.
  • Increased Functionality: This feature significantly enhances the utility of iPhones and iPads for power users, bringing them closer to the capabilities of Disk Utility on a Mac for managing external storage.

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