4 Possible Reasons Why Apple Does Not Offer Read And Write for NTFS

Rohan Mathew

Updated on:

NTFS is owned by Microsoft and using proprietary software would mean Apple coughing up a lot of money to Microsoft. Apple does not want to concede that NTFS is better than APFS. Read more.

Introduction

If you are familiar with the tech world, you would have read how Apple has just replaced Saudi Aramco as the most valuable company in the world. 

The tech giant has for a long time led the world in terms of advancements and digital transformations. It comes as no surprise that Apple products enjoy a worldwide aspirational status. 

With the latest macOS Big Sur updates, new Silicon Chipsets powering its systems, and a range of products lined up, Apple is relentless in its pursuit of excellence. 

While it has always been great at tech leaps, the simpler things that are aimed at aiding software user experience are something Apple has been often criticized for. 

We look at how the non-availability of NTFS Read and Write in macOS has brought severe criticisms from the tech community. Specifically, we share four probable or possible reasons why Apple does not offer Read and Write for NTFS drive. 

Click here – What Are The Different Types Of IT Services?

List of 4 Possible Reasons Apple does not offer Read and Write for NTFS

  1. Apple Does not Own Rights to NTFS- 

Yes, you read that right. Microsoft, one of Apple’s biggest competitors launched NTFS or New File Technology System in the 1990s. Ever since then, it has enjoyed undisputed superiority as a file system that has been adopted by the masses. 

NTFS is simple, safe, and convenient and hence enjoys mainstream acceptability. While it is not truly ‘Open Source’, it has like all other Windows software been used, reused, and diversified. Not having complete ownership means that Apple cannot unilaterally use NTFS. 

  1. The Proprietary or License Rights need to be paid for- 

Even though Apple has all the money in the world, it still wants to make its users work extra hard for using NTFS. Let it be noted that the amount we are referring to is no small amount. Experts suggest that licensing NTFS from Microsoft would require Apple to pay billions of dollars. 

This means that it is quite an expensive proposition. Microsoft too on its part recognizes that this is a pressing issue as it reads what Apple users write on forums like Reddit. It is smart to sit back and play the waiting game. 

  1. Apple’s own APFS will be called into question- 

As you know, Apple has two proprietary file systems, APFS and HFS+. The Apple File System emerged as an alternative to Microsoft’s NTFS. It promises to be safe, secure, and be the best at what it does- maintaining the integrity of the files and data. 

Users familiar with Apple’s consumer marketing strategy know how it is opposed to anything open source. It has time and again, tried to create an ecosystem outside of which users do not feel the need to step out. If they now start offering read and write on their macOS for NTFS, their APFS will lose steam. 

  1. Apple Conceding grounds to Microsoft, its rival is not the right thing to do- 

Following from the last point, it ultimately boils down to the question of which tech giant will concede first. Any signs that Apple is conceding will wipe out billions of dollars in its market value. This is not something that the top bosses at Apple or its shareholders want. 

Apple, Google, and Microsoft are tech giants that compete with one another across numerous verticals. For one to admit that something is better is unimaginable. Not offering NTFS read and write is a business decision that Apple has intentionally taken. 

Click here – Entry-Level Chemical Engineering Jobs In Canada

Why Using an NTFS for Mac is a Great Option to Read and Write NTFS Files?

The above section drives home the point of some of the best reasons why even in 2021, macOS does not support write for NTFS files. Yes, you can read NTFS files, but there is no option to write on them. 

A good, simple, and effective solution to the same can be by using a credible and trustworthy NTFS for Mac. By using this software, you do not have to worry about formatting issues and worries every time there is a macOS update. 

In terms of stressing over the safety of the data and files, NTFS is the best solution. The one thing that you need to ensure is that you are selecting a great NTFS for Mac software like iBoysoft NTFS for Mac. With great support and compatibility for macOS Big Sur and T2 Silicon Chips, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac has outpaced its competitors.