Definition
Apple Filling Protocol (AFP) is a proprietary network protocol by Apple Inc. that provides file services for macOS, including older versions. AFP is employed for networked file access and sharing on Macintosh PCs, enabling users to access directories and shared files.
Moreover, AFP provides user authentication, permissions control, and file-locking mechanisms. It is a component of Apple’s network communication protocols package. Apple has adopted the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol in the most recent macOS versions to improve compatibility and support for current networking tools.
History of Apple Filling Protocol
- Origin: Apple created the AFP in the 1980s and included it in the AppleTalk networking system, a proprietary networking protocols suite that enables Apple’s devices to connect and share resources.
- Transition to TCP/IP: In the 1990s, Apple Inc. started shifting its network services, including AFP, to use the TCP/IP protocol suite due to the internet’s rising popularity.
- Launch of MacOS X: Mac OS X included improvements to AFP capacity, including greater file size support, increased security measures, and enhanced performance.
- Incorporation with other technologies: AFP has been integrated with several other technologies during its evolution, including Apple’s Bonjour networking platform, which facilitates the innovation of services like file sharing on local networks.
- Transition towards SMB: Since the launch of Mac OS X 10.0 Mavericks in 2013, Apple has transitioned from AFP to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. The SMB protocol is more globally accepted, compatible with non-Apple systems and supports modern networking solutions.
- Current status: Apple continues to offer AFP for legacy programs and systems despite the widespread use of SMB in the newest macOS versions.