Apple has confirmed that support for Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) will soon end with macOS Sequoia 15.5. Originally introduced in 1985, AFP was designed to help Macintosh users share files across local networks. However, Apple is now urging users to shift to newer standards, primarily Server Message Block (SMB).
Why AFP Was Important
Back in the 1980s, most Mac software used resource forks to store interface elements. This made it difficult to move files between non-Mac systems without corruption. AFP helped solve that issue by preserving these forks during file transfers. It was a key component of Apple’s early networking tools, including AppleTalk and AppleShare.
As the internet grew in the 1990s, Apple adapted. It eventually offered AFP over TCP/IP with AppleShare IP. Later, AFP remained in use through macOS and Mac OS X via the Finder’s “Connect to Server” tool using the afp:// prefix.
Transitioning to Modern Protocols
Now, Apple says it’s time to let go. In macOS 11 Big Sur, Apple removed AFP server functionality. With Sequoia 15.5, the client support is also on its way out. Users should migrate to SMB for file sharing, while UNIX environments can still use NFS.
Although some third-party products like Synology NAS boxes still support AFP, this is expected to end soon. Developers relying on AFP may need to explore alternatives like Netatalk, an open-source implementation still maintained as of 2025.
Final Thoughts
Apple Filing Protocol served Mac users reliably for nearly four decades. It offered simplicity, security, and integration when few alternatives existed. But with today’s cross-platform demands and modern networking needs, the time has come to retire it.
For users still depending on AFP, Apple’s advice is clear: start transitioning now before the feature disappears for good.
