Apple announced that users with encrypted HFS+ drives can now convert them straight to APFS without first decrypting the data. The update applies to macOS 28, the next major release of the operating system, and targets both internal and external storage volumes.
The change follows a support document released weeks ago that warned macOS 28 would only support the legacy Mac OS Extended format on specific volumes. Previously, users had to unlock and decrypt encrypted HFS+ partitions before migration, a process that could take hours and risk data loss. Apple’s revised guidance removes that prerequisite, allowing the built‑in migration tool to handle encrypted volumes directly.
The new procedure leverages the same Disk Utility conversion wizard that already supports unencrypted HFS+ drives. When a user selects an encrypted volume, the system now prompts for the password once and proceeds with the file‑system transformation. This eliminates the need to create a temporary decrypted copy, saving both time and storage space. Apple’s support note emphasizes that the conversion maintains encryption throughout, preserving the original security settings. Early testers report conversion times comparable to those for unencrypted volumes, suggesting the encryption layer adds minimal overhead.
While the update targets macOS 28, many older Macs still rely on HFS+ for legacy applications. Apple clarified that the direct conversion feature is available only on machines capable of running the new OS, typically models from 2013 onward. Users on unsupported hardware will continue to use the traditional two‑step process or remain on HFS+ if they cannot upgrade. The company also noted that the legacy support for HFS+ will persist for non‑APFS‑compatible external drives, ensuring backward compatibility for niche use cases.
The ability to convert encrypted HFS+ volumes directly to APFS simplifies the upgrade path for security‑focused users. It reduces the risk of accidental data exposure during decryption and cuts down on the storage required for temporary files. As macOS 28 rolls out later this year, the feature is expected to encourage broader adoption of APFS, reinforcing Apple’s long‑term strategy for a more resilient and efficient file system.
Can I revert the conversion if something goes wrong? Yes. macOS provides a rollback option within Disk Utility, allowing you to restore the original HFS+ volume if the conversion fails.
Will the encryption strength change after conversion? No. The conversion retains the existing encryption algorithm and key length, preserving the same level of data protection.
Is any additional software required for the conversion? No. The process uses native macOS tools; no third‑party utilities are needed to perform the direct encrypted conversion.