Lesson 3: iOS and iPadOS File Storage Structure

Goal

Understand iOS and iPadOS file storage structure and how data is stored, organized, and secured.

Video

Key points

• The iOS and iPadOS file system contains two volumes.

  • The system volume contains the operating system and only system data can be written to this location.

  • The data volume contains user data. Information stored on the data volume is encrypted only when the device is protected with a passcode.

• Using Shared iPad divides the data differently on a device, allowing multiple users to sign in to the same device by creating separate data volumes.

• Apps exist within an app sandbox to prevent them from accessing or modifying the contents of other apps without permission from the user.

• Information created and stored by an app during use is called app data.

  • App data might include the high score of a game or the contents of a document.

  • Some apps back up data to iCloud or another server.

  • Local app data is removed when an app is deleted. However, data may still exist in iCloud or a third-party server.

Review

To view answers, click arrow next to each question.

1. How many volumes are there in the iOS and iPadOS file system by default?
   iOS and iPadOS contain two volumes: a system volume and a data volume.
2. If an iOS app is deleted, does the data remain on the device?
   Deleting an iOS app will remove all local data associated with that app, including preferences.
3. Are apps allowed to access data from other apps without permission?
   Without explicit permission from the user, apps are sandboxed and may not access data from other apps or affect the system.

Resources

Jamf Pro Documentation

• Apple Education Support Settings

Apple Platform Security

• Role of Apple File System

• App security overview

• iCloud security overview

Apple Platform Deployment

• Shared iPad overview