Lexar Reveals Thinnest Portable SSD Yet by Omitting Standard USB-C Plug

Lexar has unveiled a new portable solid-state drive designed specifically as a storage solution for recent iPhones and other devices that support magnetic accessory docking. Showcased at the IFA trade show in Berlin, the Lexar Muse achieves its compact dimensions by eliminating a traditional physical USB-C port. Because the drive measures 3.8mm at its thickest point and tapers down to 1mm, a standard 2.4mm tall USB-C plug simply would not fit on the tapered end.

Instead of a conventional port, the hardware utilizes a magnetic pogo pin connection located on its back. This connection method allows the drive to attach securely to a low-profile USB-C cable. While this creative engineering choice enables a remarkably small form factor, it does mean users lose the convenience of plugging the drive directly into just any standard modern USB-C data cable. Inside the casing, Lexar utilizes a bespoke printed circuit board alongside high-density NAND flash memory to offer storage capacities of 512GB and 1TB.

Despite the unique connection method and tiny physical size, the drive maintains performance speeds reaching up to 1000MB/s for both reading and writing operations. These performance capabilities allow users to record ProRes 4K video at 120 frames per second directly onto the drive, making it a functional accessory for mobile filmmakers. While the hardware can connect to a wide range of personal computers using its specialized cable, its primary design focus centers on magnetic phone compatibility.

Lexar has scheduled the hardware release for winter 2026. Official pricing details have not been announced by the manufacturer, leaving exact costs under wraps until closer to launch.