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PSA: macOS 28 will drop support for encrypted Mac OS Extended volumes

Apple’s macOS 28 will phase out support for encrypted Mac OS Extended volumes, forcing users to migrate or risk data access issues.

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The brief

Apple has announced that macOS 28, set for release next year, will no longer support encrypted volumes formatted as Mac OS Extended (HFS+). This includes both standard and encrypted HFS+ drives, which have been a staple for macOS users since the format’s introduction. The move aligns with Apple’s broader shift toward newer file systems like APFS, which has been the default since macOS High Sierra (2017).

Coverage from MacRumors, The Mac Observer, Macworld, AppleInsider, and 9to5Mac emphasizes the technical implications: users relying on encrypted HFS+ drives will need to migrate their data to APFS or another supported format before upgrading. Apple has not yet provided a migration tool or timeline for the phase-out, leaving affected users to prepare independently. The announcement follows years of gradual deprecation of HFS+ in favor of APFS, which offers features like snapshots and better performance with SSDs.

Watch for Apple’s official migration guidance, potential third-party tools to assist in converting encrypted HFS+ volumes, and reactions from enterprise users who may still depend on legacy storage solutions. Coverage does not yet specify whether Time Machine backups of encrypted HFS+ drives will remain accessible post-upgrade.

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Quick answers

Which file systems will macOS 28 still support for encrypted volumes?

According to coverage, macOS 28 will continue supporting encrypted APFS volumes, which have been the default since macOS High Sierra (2017). Coverage does not mention other formats like exFAT or NTFS being affected.

Will Apple provide tools to migrate encrypted HFS+ drives to APFS?

Coverage does not confirm Apple will release a dedicated migration tool, though users may rely on third-party software or manual methods. Apple has not issued further details as of now.

Does this affect Time Machine backups stored on encrypted HFS+ drives?

Coverage does not yet specify whether Time Machine backups of encrypted HFS+ drives will remain compatible with macOS 28. Users are advised to verify backup accessibility before upgrading.