It has long been rumored that Apple is working on a new file system to replace the archaic HFS+ file system that macOS currently uses. The company was expected to announce a new file system as a part of the macOS 10.12 release at WWDC’s opening keynote, but that did not happen. However, Apple is indeed working on a new file system called ‘Apple File System’ and it plans on using them on more than just Macs.

In its documentation, the company says that AFPS is a next-generation file system that is aimed for iOS, macOS tvOS, and watchOS. The file system is optimised for Flash/SSD storage, with features like strong encryption, cloning for files and directories, snapshots, and more.

Apple File System is a new, modern file system for iOS, OS X, tvOS and watchOS. It is optimized for Flash/SSD storage and features strong encryption, copy-on-write metadata, space sharing, cloning for files and directories, snapshots, fast directory sizing, atomic safe-save primitives, and improved file system fundamentals.

AFPS supports “nearly all” the features of HFS+, and offers its own set of advantages like 64-bit inode numbers, 1 nanosecond timestamp granularity, an expansive block allocator, and support for sparse files.

Apple mentions in its documentation that AFPS is being released as a Developer Preview as a part of macOS Sierra 10.12, and it is scheduled to ship in 2017.