Apple’s latest update allows iPhone and iPad users to format external drives

Apple introduced several new features with new operating system updates coming to its family of devices—iPhone, iPad, and Mac—at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates bring artificial intelligence (AI) features, a new Calculator app, an improved Photos app, and other quality-of-life updates. However, one feature that Apple didn’t announce and that has flown under the radar is the ability to format external drives using the Files app.

Format External Drive via Files App on iOS 18

Both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates, for the iPhone and iPad respectively, bring native support for disk formatting. This means that users can now format externally connected drives directly through the Files app. This feature was reportedly introduced with the OS developer beta updates that are currently available to registered developers.

Disk Formatting Options in iOS 18

The ability to format external drives builds on the erase functionality that Apple introduced with iOS 17. While users could only erase drives that were externally connected to their Apple devices, they can now also format them, improving the features of Disk Utility within the Apple operating system.

To format a disk, you just need to tap and hold on an external disk volume and the To clear option. A new menu will appear below the text box with different formats. Apple allows users to choose from three formats: ExFAT, MS-DOS (FAT), and APPS (Apple File System). APFS also provides options for case-sensitive or encrypted format.

According to the company, APFS is “recommended for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.” It also notes that MS-DOS (FAT) is compatible with other devices, including PCs and cameras. Gadgets 360 staffers were able to confirm the feature’s existence in the iOS 18 Developer Beta update for iPhone.

iOS 18, iPadOS 18 Compatibility

Apple says that devices such as the iPhone XR and later, up to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, will get the iOS 18 update. On the other hand, iPadOS 18-compatible models include the iPad Pro (12.9-inch) or later, iPad Air (2019) or later, iPad (2019) or later, and iPad mini (2019).