Google preps for MacOS High Sierra, adds Apple File System support

By Brad Jones Published November 9, 2017

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In June 2016, Apple announced a new file system to be used across its various different pieces of hardware, the imaginatively named Apple File System (APFS). When the High Sierra update for MacOS drops later this year, AFPS is set to arrive on the platform, having made its debut on iOS. Ahead of that release, Google’s Backup and Sync app has introduced support for the file system as of its latest update.

When Apple released the beta version of High Sierra in June, users found that the Mac version of the Google Drive app was not compatible with APFS. At the time, a representative for the company suggested that this issue would be addressed in a matter of weeks, according to 9to5Mac.

Recommended Videos

This did not come to pass but on Wednesday, Google released version 3.36 of Backup and Sync for Macs — which recently replaced the Drive app — an update that adds official support for MacOS 10.13 and AFPS. The timing seems relevant, as we know that Apple plans to release High Sierra in the fall, and summer is already drawing to a close.

Next week, Apple will hold an event that will almost certainly see the unveiling of the iPhone 8 but it could also see a confirmed release date for MacOS High Sierra. The company has yet to offer more specific information than the fall release window that was announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference 2017.

Apple has issued new updates to its Mac operating system in the fall since 2013, selecting earlier release dates with every passing year. Mavericks and Yosemite both landed in October, while El Capitan and last year’s Sierra both showed up in September.

The iPhone will take center stage at Apple’s keynote at the Steve Jobs Theater next week, but there is a good chance that it won’t be the only topic that’s discussed. We might also see a new Apple Watch, the upcoming 4K version of the Apple TV, and the company’s Amazon Echo competitor the Homepod.

Mac users looking to get themselves ready for High Sierra ahead of time can download the latest version of Backup and Sync here. Alternatively, they can wait for the app to auto-update over the coming days.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…

Computing

You can finally try out Apple Intelligence on your Mac. Here’s how

macOS Sequoia being introduced by Apple's Craig Federighi at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

The second developer beta of macOS Sequoia is open for business and it includes Apple Intelligence features. It looks like anyone can try it out as long as you're not in China. That includes people in the EU -- even though the AI features might not launch there right away. The features available for testing include Writing Tools, Siri, Safari and Mail summaries, Smart Replies, Memory Movies, transcription features, Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode, and a few more. If you want to have a look yourself, here's everything you need to do to download the beta and activate Apple Intelligence.

Before you start, make sure you've backed up your Mac with Time Machine so you can restore the previous version if anything goes wrong. You can also use a secondary device if you have another Apple silicon Mac lying around because beta versions can go wrong and you have to download them at your own risk.

Computing

People are arguing about this classic macOS feature, and it’s hilarious

A man sitting at a desk in front of an M1 iMac. Behind him is a large glass window and a set of shelves holding books, plants and ornaments.

Moving from Windows to Mac can be confusing. Long ago, I was a lifelong Windows user before I tried my first Mac, and many of the changes were jarring and confusing. It’s often not the biggest differences that give you pause, either -- it’s the hundreds of tiny discrepancies that are just dissimilar enough to befuddle the heck out of you.

For me, one of the most perplexing changes was how much working with apps in macOS differed from Windows. “You mean I don’t need a wizard to uninstall an app?” I thought. “I can just move it to the Trash? Won't that … break something?”

Computing

I’ve been using the first macOS Sequoia public beta. Here’s my take on it so far

The iPhone Mirroring feature from macOS Sequoia being demonstrated at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

Apple today launched the macOS Sequoia public beta, opening the doors to app developers, bug hunters, and curious users alike. With the full release not expected until much later this year, it’s a good opportunity to get a sneak peek at what Apple has in store for us.

Or at least, a sneak peek at most of what’s planned. Despite being packed with features, macOS Sequoia is missing the headline-grabbing Apple Intelligence feature, at least for the time being. Without that, is it still worth downloading and installing the public beta?