Your iPad isn’t a complete replacement for your Mac, but every year the tablet is gaining more and more features that make it function as a full-fledged computer. Artist Kaleb Cadle discovered the latest of these features: the ability to format external drives using an iPad running iPadOS 18. Shortly after, MacStories contributor Niléane confirmed that the feature would also work on iPhones running iOS 18.
How to use a USB hard drive with an iPad/iPhone?
First, you’ll need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. Follow these instructions to update your device, but be careful when using your primary device, as installing a beta version may cause instability.
Next, connect your external drive to the device. In some cases, this may require an adapter. Once you’ve connected the drive, open the Files app, long-press the external drive’s name in the sidebar, and tap the red Erase button.
You will now see the new options, which allow you to choose the file system for your external drive. You have three choices: APFS, ExFAT, and FAT. Click here for an overview of each format. Choose an option to format the external drive accordingly.
