With iPadOS 18, for the first time, you can format external drives on an iPad and choose between three different format options.
To format an external drive on an iPad, you can use the Files app to erase and reformat the drive:
° Connect the external drive to your iPad.
° Open the Files app.
° Tap Browse.
° Find the external drive under Locations.
° Touch and hold the drive name.
° Select Erase.
° Choose a new name for the drive.
° Select a format
° Tap Erase in the top right corner and confirm.
Here are the formats you can choose from:
° APFS (Apple File System): This format is best if you only plan to use the drive with Apple devices. You can also make the drive case sensitive or encrypted.
° ExFAT: This format is compatible with many platforms, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, and most digital cameras.
° MS-DOS (FAT). This format is also supported across various operating systems, but it can’t be used on drives larger than 4 GB.
