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Lexar has opened pre-orders for the Muse, a card-sized portable SSD that the company calls the world's thinnest. B&H opened US pre-orders in November 2026, with the first shipments expected around mid-December.
Designed for mobile creators, the Lexar Muse combines an unusually slim body with magnetic phone mounting and high-speed external storage. Buyers can choose 512GB for USD 249.99 or 1TB for USD 399.99 through the retailer's pre-order listing.
Measuring 3.8mm at its thickest point, the portable SSD narrows to just 1mm around its edges. Lexar achieves the slim design through a custom ultra-thin circuit board and densely stacked NAND memory components. A precision-machined metal enclosure completes the construction and helps manage heat while adding durability to the compact drive.
The Muse also targets smartphone video workflows rather than serving only as a pocket-sized backup device. An included MagSafe-compatible sleeve attaches the SSD to the back of compatible iPhones without adding substantial bulk. This arrangement allows supported phones to save footage directly to external storage during demanding video recording sessions.
Lexar lists read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds reaching 1,000MB/s for the drive. Those speeds support Apple ProRes 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second on compatible iPhone models.
However, the design makes a notable compromise by removing the familiar USB-C socket from the SSD itself. Instead, Lexar uses its proprietary SnapLink Magnetic Cable, which connects to recessed pogo-pin contacts on the drive's rear. N52-grade neodymium magnets guide the cable into place and help keep the connection secure during transfers.
Losing the SnapLink cable could prove inconvenient, since the drive lacks a standard built-in port for another cable. At USD 399.99, the 1TB model also carries a premium that may make conventional portable SSDs more appealing.
Even so, the Muse offers a distinctive option for creators who prioritize minimal bulk and direct phone recording. Buyers should check device compatibility before ordering, as MagSafe attachment and ProRes recording depend on supported iPhone models.
Also Read: Lexar Muse SSD: World’s Thinnest at Just 3.8mm, 1,050MB/s