Paragon Software has released the free APFS Retrofit Kit for macOS, a system driver that enables read-only access to APFS (Apple File System) volumes under macOS 10.12 or earlier versions.
For Mac users working on legacy versions of Mac OS X and macOS where APFS isn’t natively supported, the tool allows instant, read-only access to APFS-formatted data stored on hard disk drives, solid-state storage, or flash thumb drives.
Once installed, the driver requires no additional interaction from the user. According to the folks at Paragon Software, the software delivers:
- Fail-safe operation across compatible hardware and software systems for general-purpose and specialized applications;
- Protection of data integrity, along with prevention of accidental data corruption or loss;
- Steady, balanced throughput with effective flow control, reduced overhead, and no data congestion;
- Thrifty usage of processor, memory, and disk resources.
Apple File System (APFS) is the default file system in macOS High Sierra for Mac computers with all-flash storage. APFS features strong encryption, space sharing, snapshots, fast directory sizing, and improved file system fundamentals.
