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Apple //+ floppy encoding method




I have read (and been told) that an Apple //+ (and other Apple // computers) cannot read/write an IBM compatible disk, and conversely, an IBM cannot read/write an Apple disk.
Is this due to the nature of the hardware of the drive, or is it the drive controller?
I have a computer that emulates an Apple //+ and an IBM PC equally well.  It will read/write both Apple and IBM floppies in the same drive, and these disks are also useable in their respective machines.
Is there something special about the drive?  It's a Shugart SA455.  Don't know the technical specs aside from the fact that it is half track steppable (maybe not the correct term).  In its native mode (CP/M 68K) this computer can format a 5.25" floppy in a dozen different formats, including an 80 track, 800K format.
I have no "grand design" here, just curious.