Hyperspace: The Space-Saving App Revolutionizing Mac Storage

Launched in February, Hyperspace is a game-changing utility developed by Macintosh veteran John Siracusa. Since its debut, the app has undergone several updates, bringing new capabilities and expanding its space-saving potential for Mac users. For those who haven’t yet explored Hyperspace, there’s a lot more to discover now—especially in terms of reclaiming valuable storage space without the need for deleting files. Let’s dive into what makes Hyperspace so special and how it continues to evolve.

Hyperspace: A Journey from Concept to App

Hyperspace’s origin story traces back to John Siracusa’s frustration with the macOS “Duplicate” command in Finder. Most Mac users don’t realize that when they use this command to create a file copy, it doesn’t actually duplicate the file’s contents but instead creates a reference to the original file. Siracusa, a self-proclaimed digital pack rat, wanted to address this issue by reclaiming valuable disk space without losing any data.

This idea led to the creation of a barebones Mac app, which eventually became Hyperspace. Initially, Hyperspace performed similar tasks to Siracusa’s previous Perl script, reclaiming space by finding duplicate files. Over time, the app evolved into a polished, full-fledged utility designed to help Mac users make the most of their storage space.

What’s New in Hyperspace?

The latest updates to Hyperspace have introduced several new features that make it more powerful than ever. One of the most notable additions is the ability to reclaim storage space from cloud services such as iCloud Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Prior to this update, Hyperspace only interacted with local Mac storage. However, with cloud storage becoming an integral part of our digital lives, Siracusa expanded the app’s functionality to work with online storage as well.

Additionally, Hyperspace now supports scanning package directories, including Apple Photos, iMovie libraries, and Logic Pro projects. These features are disabled by default, acting as a precaution to ensure users don’t accidentally delete important files. However, these can be enabled within the app’s settings under the “Advanced” tab.

A Word of Caution

While Hyperspace is designed to help users save disk space, it’s important to approach its powerful capabilities with caution. Users are advised to always maintain a redundant backup strategy. Despite the app’s careful design, there’s always a small risk when working with important files, especially when dealing with cloud storage services. As Siracusa points out, iCloud is not a backup service—deleting a file from iCloud removes it everywhere else as well.

Pricing and Availability

Hyperspace is free to download and run on your Mac. After scanning and identifying potential space-saving opportunities, you’ll have the option to purchase the app for full functionality. The app offers three one-time purchase options and two subscription models, providing flexibility for users based on their needs.

In terms of compatibility, Hyperspace works seamlessly with both Mac storage and attached storage that uses the Apple File System (APFS). The app is available for download via the Mac App Store, making it easily accessible for all users.

What Undercode Says:

Hyperspace is undoubtedly a breakthrough in Mac storage management, with its ability to reclaim valuable disk space without the need to delete files. Its initial concept—based on Siracusa’s frustration with the Duplicate command in Finder—was innovative in its simplicity. By focusing on APFS clones, the app allowed users to keep their files while still freeing up precious storage.

The expansion into cloud services is a crucial development. As cloud storage becomes increasingly prevalent, integrating support for services like iCloud Drive and OneDrive ensures that Hyperspace remains relevant in the changing tech landscape. The app’s ability to scan package directories—such as Apple Photos and iMovie libraries—further solidifies its utility for users managing large amounts of media and creative projects.

However, the app’s reliance on cloud storage and APFS clones raises a few questions about the potential risks. Although Siracusa provides clear warnings about the importance of redundant backups, users may still encounter unforeseen issues, especially when working with complex file structures. As cloud services become more integrated into our daily workflows, Hyperspace’s success will likely depend on how effectively it addresses the challenges posed by these services.

Despite these concerns, the app’s pricing structure—offering free scans with paid options for full functionality—makes it an accessible tool for anyone looking to reclaim space on their Macs. The availability of different payment models ensures that users can select the option that best suits their needs, whether they prefer a one-time purchase or a subscription.

Fact Checker Results:

Hyperspace offers solid space-saving features, particularly with its support for cloud services like iCloud Drive and OneDrive.
The app’s emphasis on APFS clones and scanning package directories makes it a valuable tool for users with large media collections.
As with any space-saving utility, users should exercise caution and maintain a reliable backup strategy to avoid accidental data loss.

References:

Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/03/hyperspace-now-reclaims-storage-without-deleting-files-from-some-of-your-largest-data-locations
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