Apple is working on a feature that will allow iPhone and iPad users to format external drives directly from their devices, eliminating the need for a Mac. The discovery was made by Kaleb Cadle while exploring the Files app in the iPadOS 18 developer beta. When selecting the "Erase" option for an external drive, new format options such as APFS, ExFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT) are now available, similar to those in Disk Utility. This development is a significant enhancement for iPad power users, opening up new possibilities for managing external storage. With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 currently in beta testing, Apple is expected to release further improvements to the Files app, reminiscent of the integration of Preview app functionality in Quick Look. The addition of formatting options on iPhones and iPads marks a step towards a more comprehensive and versatile experience for Apple device users.