The End of an Era:
Apple is Phasing Out Network-Based
Time Machine Backups
Apple is making a decisive shift in how macOS handles backups, and it’s a move that’s leaving many longtime users of Time Capsule and AirPort hardware with tough decisions. With the introduction of macOS 27, Apple will officially drop support for Time Machine backups over network-connected Time Capsule disks.
Apple is Phasing Out Network-Based
Time Machine Backups
https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/10/time-machine-backup-macos/
Why the Change?
The core reason lies in Apple’s transition to the Apple File System (APFS). Introduced in macOS High Sierra and now the default for all modern Macs, APFS is a virtualized, encrypted file system designed for speed, security, and reliability. Unlike its predecessor, HFS+, APFS supports features like snapshots, space sharing, and native encryption; making it ideal for modern backup strategies.However, APFS is not compatible with the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) used by Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme devices. These older systems rely on HFS+ and cannot be formatted to APFS, nor can they support APFS-based Time Machine backups over a network.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256112267
What Does This Mean for Time Capsule Users?
Starting with macOS 27 (expected in 2026), users will no longer be able to use Time Machine to back up to:Time Capsule internal drivesUSB drives connected to AirPort Extreme routers
Any network-attached storage (NAS) using AFP
While macOS 26 (currently in beta) still allows these backups (with a warning) macOS 27 will remove the functionality entirely.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/10/time-machine-backup-macos/
Why Can’t Apple Just Let Me Reformat My Disk?
It’s a fair question. After all, a disk is just a disk, right?Unfortunately, the answer is no. Time Capsule hardware and its firmware are locked into using HFS+ and AFP. They cannot be updated to support APFS or SMB-based Time Machine backups. Even if you could reformat the disk, the network protocol limitations would still prevent APFS backups from functioning over Wi-Fi.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256112267?sortBy=rank
What Are Your Options?
Apple’s official stance is clear: Time Machine backups must now be made to a directly connected APFS-formatted drive. This means:Each Mac will need its own dedicated external hard drive.Alternatively, users can opt for iCloud backups, though this comes with storage costs and limitations.
For those who still want wireless backups, third-party NAS solutions like Synology or QNAP offer SMB-based Time Machine support. These systems are more complex to set up but provide flexibility and modern protocol support.
Is This Just About Security?
Apple frames this change as a move toward more secure and reliable data storage. APFS’s encryption and snapshot capabilities make it a superior choice for backups. But it’s also hard to ignore the strategic push toward iCloud and Apple’s broader cloud ecosystem.Final Thoughts
While this transition may frustrate users who’ve relied on Time Capsule for years, it reflects Apple’s broader philosophy: prioritize security, performance, and ecosystem integration; even if it means leaving legacy hardware behind.
If you’re still using a Time Capsule, now’s the time to plan your next move. Whether it’s a direct-attached drive or a modern NAS, the future of Mac backups is changing; and fast.
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