iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Introduce External Drive Formatting in Files App

New updates bring advanced disk utility features to iPhones and iPads, enhancing file management capabilities.

Users can format external drives directly via the Files app, choosing from APFS, ExFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT).
This feature builds on the erase functionality introduced in iOS 17, adding more robust disk management options.
The update marks a significant shift from Apple's original design, making iPhones and iPads more versatile for power users.
The Files app also includes a 'Keep Downloaded' option for iCloud Drive, ensuring files remain accessible offline.
These updates are part of the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 developer beta, available to registered developers.