macOS 27 kills Time Capsule backups, but NAS hosts still work

Sep 15, 2026 · 7:05 PM UTC ·7 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 6 views

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TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Apple's release of macOS 27 Golden Gate removes support for the Apple Filing Protocol, effectively ending Time Machine backup functionality for AirPort Time Capsule devices. Users must migrate to third-party network-attached storage (NAS) systems that support the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol to continue backing up their Macs. The article recommends five affordable NAS enclosures under $300 that serve as viable replacements for the discontinued hardware.

Key facts

▪macOS 27 no longer supports Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), which prevents AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Disk from functioning as Time Machine destinations.
▪Time Machine backups remain functional on macOS 27 when using third-party NAS devices that support the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
▪The article suggests five diskless NAS enclosures priced under $300, noting that buyers must purchase compatible drives separately and connect the units via Ethernet.
▪The TerraMaster F2-425 is highlighted for its expandable memory and support for Docker and video transcoding, while the Ugreen NASync DH2300 is recommended for its simplified, iPhone-assisted setup process.
▪Users are advised to restore any files stored exclusively on their Time Capsule and verify a successful test restore on the new NAS before deleting the old backup.

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News macOS 27 kills Time Capsule backups, but NAS hosts still work Andrew Orr 0 e-mail BlueSky Mastodon X Facebook Reddit Tue Sep 15 2026, 03:05 PM EDT · 5 minute read Five NAS units to replace your AirPort If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy. Mac owners upgrading to macOS 27 will need to replace their AirPort Time Capsule for Time Machine backups. We picked five diskless NAS enclosures that cost less than $300 to fit the bill. Apple released macOS 27 Golden Gate on September 14 without support for Apple Filing Protocol, or AFP. AirPort Time Capsule and AirPort Disk depend on AFP for Time Machine backups.

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