HELIOS Tech Info #215

HELIOS Important Product Update – HELIOS File Server Transitions to Maintenance Mode; SMB3 Development Discontinued

Dear Valued Customers and Resellers,

Apple has announced that future macOS releases, starting with macOS 27 (“Golden Gate”), will no longer support the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP).

For many years, HELIOS file server solutions using the AFP protocol have delivered outstanding performance and seamless integration in Mac environments. Features such as native Spotlight search, advanced printing support, and HELIOS client utilities have made it a trusted and reliable choice for professional Mac workflows.

In preparation for the eventual deprecation of AFP, HELIOS invested significant resources over several years in developing a full-featured SMB3-compatible server solution. However, achieving a complete, stable, and production-ready SMB3 implementation that meets our high standards for quality, reliability, and Mac-specific integration has proven extraordinarily complex. We have therefore made the difficult decision to discontinue further SMB3 development and transition the Fileserver product line to maintenance-only mode.

What this means for you

• Customers who are able to delay upgrading to macOS 27 can continue using their existing HELIOS file server with full AFP functionality for approximately the next 18 months
• For longer-term use — including support for future Mac hardware — running a compatible macOS version in a virtual machine (such as with UTM) provides a practical and effective solution

Our ongoing commitment

HELIOS remains fully committed to supporting our existing customers. We will continue to release maintenance updates for the HELIOS G8 file server, including:

• Bug fixes and stability improvements
• Enhancements to existing functionality
• Compatibility updates for current and upcoming server operating systems

HELIOS G8 is fully compatible with current macOS versions on all supported server platforms, and support for newer server OS versions is actively in development.

Regarding alternative solutions

While other SMB3-compatible file server solutions exist, they generally do not reach the same level of Mac-specific compatibility, reliability, and feature completeness that HELIOS AFP users have come to expect. As a result, migrating to alternative solutions will likely require some compromises in functionality or workflow efficiency.

HELIOS cannot officially recommend or provide support for third-party alternatives. Our support team is available to discuss your specific environment and help with any planning needs.

We sincerely regret that the SMB3 development did not reach the production-ready quality we had hoped for, despite years of dedicated effort. This decision allows us to focus all our resources on delivering the best possible ongoing support for our proven AFP-based solutions and the customers who rely on them.

Thank you for your long-standing trust in HELIOS products. If you have any questions or need assistance with your installation, please do not hesitate to contact your HELIOS representative or our support team.

Your HELIOS Team