Lexar Muse: Ultra-slim portable SSD under 4mm thickness
High-speed portable storage in an ultra-thin design with proprietary cable.
1The thinnest SSD in the industry
Lexar's new Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD will be one of the thinnest portable storage devices ever at just 3.8mm thick. The edges taper to only 1mm thanks to high-density NAND stacking and custom thin PCB architecture. Available in 512GB and 1TB capacities, the product will launch by the end of 2026, setting a new benchmark for portable storage design.
2High performance in slim form
Despite its thin profile, the Muse SSD delivers impressive speeds of 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write. This performance supports 4K Apple ProRes video recording at 120fps when connected to compatible iPhones. The high speeds provide significant advantages for content creators and professional users who require both portability and performance in their workflow.
3Proprietary connection solution
The ultra-thin design necessitated removal of standard USB-C ports. Instead, Lexar developed a proprietary SnapLink cable system that magnetically attaches to pogo-pin connectors. While this solution enables the slim form factor, users must be careful not to lose the special cable. The magnetic strength isn't specified, raising potential concerns about accidental disconnections during file transfers.
4Additional accessory for phone mounting
To mount the SSD to phones, users must utilize an included magnetic sleeve that attaches to the device's back. This solution adds significant thickness, somewhat compromising the main portability advantage. While practical for professional videographers, it introduces an extra step for everyday use. The trade-off between slim design and functionality becomes apparent in this implementation.
5Following Xteink's lead
Lexar joins companies like Xteink in pursuing ultra-thin portable storage solutions. This growing industry trend aims to balance portability with performance, though the elimination of standard ports may create adoption challenges. Proprietary cables could impact long-term user experience, representing a potential drawback to this design philosophy that prioritizes form over universal compatibility.
6Debuted at IFA 2026
The Lexar Muse was unveiled at Berlin's IFA 2026 technology fair, standing out among innovative ultra-thin designs. IFA, held annually in autumn, is one of the world's largest consumer electronics events, traditionally hosting major product launches. The Muse SSD attracted significant attention from tech enthusiasts and industry professionals attending the prestigious event.
7Designed for professionals
The Muse SSD primarily targets professional users like content creators, photographers, and video editors who need high-capacity, fast storage. Its performance is optimized for large file transfers and high-resolution media processing. However, the proprietary cable requirement might slow down workflows for some professionals, presenting a potential adoption barrier despite the impressive technical specifications.
8Setting new portable storage standards
Lexar Muse aims to establish new industry standards by combining slim design with high performance in portable SSDs. While the long-term adoption of its proprietary connection solution remains uncertain, the device's form factor may inspire future portable storage designs. User reception will ultimately determine whether this design approach represents the future of portable storage or remains a niche solution.
Original article: The Verge (theverge.com) — Lexar Muse: 4mm'den ince ultra-slim taşınabilir SSD