Apple's upcoming macOS 27 may eliminate support for the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), which would render Time Capsules non-operational. This change is likely to occur as the company prepares for stricter security protocols, including a requirement for TLS 1.2 or higher.
Mac users have been experiencing issues with network Time Machine functionalities since the release of macOS 26.4, particularly those utilizing Time Capsules. While Apple has not disclosed specific details regarding the changes, the FOSS community has developed a solution known as TimeCapsuleSMB, designed to maintain compatibility for older Time Capsules within the modern macOS framework.
Apple has been gradually phasing out AFP, having officially deprecated it in macOS 15.5. The first Time Capsule was introduced in 2008, with production ceasing in 2018 along with the entire AirPort product line. Despite these developments, the FOSS ecosystem remains committed to preserving functionality for this equipment.