Imagine carrying a high-speed SSD that is barely thicker than a few stacked cards. Lexar Muse Portable SSD aims to make that possible with an ultra-slim metal body, magnetic attachment and fast external storage for mobile creators.
Introduced at IFA 2026, the Lexar Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD is designed for people who shoot high-resolution videos, capture large photo libraries and edit content on the go. It combines a card-like design with transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and support for external Apple ProRes recording on compatible iPhones.
The drive is planned in 512GB and 1TB capacities, with availability expected from the fourth quarter of 2026. However, Lexar has not yet confirmed official retail pricing.
Lexar Muse Portable SSD Overview: What Is It?
The Lexar Muse is an ultra-slim external solid-state drive designed to expand storage for smartphones, tablets and computers. Its main selling point is its thin, card-like form, which makes it easier to carry alongside a phone than many conventional portable SSDs.
Unlike a typical external SSD with a standard USB-C port, Muse uses a proprietary magnetic PogoPin data connection and a supplied SnapLink Magnetic Cable. Its magnetic sleeve can attach to compatible MagSafe iPhones, creating a compact setup for mobile filming.
Furthermore, the drive supports compatible iPhones for direct external recording of Apple ProRes video at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. This can help creators record large video files directly to external storage instead of filling their phone’s internal memory. Actual recording support depends on the iPhone model, case, connection and recording settings.
Lexar Muse Portable SSD Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Ultra-slim portable SSD |
| Model | Lexar Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD |
| Storage capacities | 512GB and 1TB |
| Maximum read speed | Up to 1,050MB/s |
| Maximum write speed | Up to 1,000MB/s |
| Thickness | 3.8mm at thickest point; 1mm at edges |
| Body | Precision-machined aluminum unibody |
| Connection | Proprietary magnetic PogoPin interface |
| Included connection cable | SnapLink Magnetic Cable |
| Phone attachment | Magnetic sleeve for compatible MagSafe iPhones |
| Video recording | Up to 4K 120fps Apple ProRes on supported iPhones |
| App support | Lexar App with automatic photo and video backup |
| Compatibility | Compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac and other USB-C devices |
| Launch timeline | Q4 2026 |
| Official price | Not announced |
Maximum speeds are based on manufacturer testing. Actual performance varies by host device, connection, workload and operating conditions. <Cite refs={[“turn208180search1″,”turn208180search2”]}/>
Lexar Muse Portable SSD Features
1. Ultra-Slim Design That Fits in Your Pocket
The most striking feature of Lexar Muse is its thin profile. The drive measures 3.8mm at its thickest point and tapers to just 1mm at the edges.
Lexar uses a precision-machined aluminum unibody enclosure to create a clean, minimalist appearance. Its compact form is designed to fit naturally alongside modern smartphones and other everyday devices.
For content creators who travel frequently, this design could make external storage easier to carry during shoots, trips and daily commutes.
However, its thin construction also raises practical questions about heat management and durability during long recording sessions. Independent testing will help establish how well it performs under sustained workloads.
2. Read Speeds of Up to 1,050MB/s
Lexar Muse offers advertised read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000MB/s.
These speeds can help transfer large video projects, photo collections and other files between compatible devices. They are particularly useful for creators who regularly move high-resolution footage from a phone to a computer for editing.
Still, maximum speeds are not guaranteed in every situation. The host device, connection, file sizes and workload can all affect transfer performance.
3. Record Apple ProRes Video Directly to External Storage
One of the most important features for mobile filmmakers is support for direct external Apple ProRes recording at up to 4K 120fps on compatible iPhones.
High-resolution video can consume storage quickly, especially during professional shoots. Recording directly to an external SSD gives users a separate location for footage and can help preserve internal phone storage.
This makes the Muse particularly interesting for filmmakers, vloggers and creators who use their iPhones as primary cameras.
Compatibility is important, though. Direct recording and MagSafe attachment depend on the specific iPhone model, case and recording settings. Users should check the supported device list before purchasing.
4. Magnetic Attachment for a Cleaner Filming Setup
Lexar includes a magnetic sleeve that can attach the drive to compatible MagSafe iPhones. The sleeve keeps the SSD positioned against the phone while users capture video.
The supplied SnapLink Magnetic Cable connects the drive through its proprietary PogoPin interface, reducing the need for a conventional cable connection at the SSD itself.
This setup is intended to make mobile recording more streamlined. However, the drive does not use a standard USB-C port directly on its body, so users will need the supplied compatible cable to connect it.
That proprietary connection is an important consideration for people who prefer standard cables and accessories.
5. Automatic Photo and Video Backup
The Lexar App supports automatic backup of photos and videos already stored on a compatible phone.
This can help users maintain an additional copy of important media while freeing up internal storage. It is useful for travelers, content creators and anyone who regularly captures large amounts of footage.
However, users should remember that one external drive is not a complete backup strategy. Important files should ideally have another copy in a separate location.
6. Compatibility Across Multiple Devices
Although the Muse is designed with mobile creators in mind, it can also be used with compatible iPads, Macs and other USB-C devices.
This flexibility allows users to capture footage on a phone and later move the drive to a computer for file management or editing.
Compatibility can depend on the operating system, file system, available port and recording application. Some devices may require formatting or additional setup before use.
7. Two Storage Options for Different Needs
Lexar plans to offer the Muse in two capacities:
- 512GB: A compact option for everyday photo backups, documents and shorter video projects.
- 1TB: More suitable for creators who capture large video files or want to keep several projects on one drive.
The right capacity depends on the size of your files and how frequently you transfer footage to another storage location.
Lexar Muse Portable SSD Performance
The Muse is designed to prioritize portability without sacrificing the transfer speeds expected from a modern external SSD.
- Video production: Direct ProRes recording can benefit creators using compatible iPhones.
- File transfers: Advertised speeds of up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write should help move large files quickly when the host device supports them.
- Daily backups: The Lexar App provides an option for backing up existing phone photos and videos.
- Portability: Its ultra-thin metal body is designed to add minimal bulk to a mobile filming setup.
- Sustained workloads: Long recording sessions will need independent testing to assess heat, sustained write speeds and reliability.
The proprietary connector is both a design feature and a limitation. It supports the compact magnetic setup, but users cannot simply plug an ordinary USB-C cable directly into the drive.
Lexar Muse Portable SSD vs Traditional Portable SSDs
| Feature | Lexar Muse | Traditional Portable SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Ultra-slim, card-like body | Usually thicker enclosure |
| Connection | Proprietary magnetic PogoPin interface | Commonly USB-C |
| Phone mounting | Magnetic sleeve for compatible MagSafe iPhones | Depends on accessories |
| Maximum read speed | Up to 1,050MB/s | Varies by model |
| Maximum write speed | Up to 1,000MB/s | Varies by model |
| Direct iPhone recording | Supported on compatible models and settings | Depends on drive and device compatibility |
| Cable flexibility | Requires supplied compatible cable | Often supports standard USB-C cables |
| Best suited for | Mobile creators and compact setups | General storage, backups and broader cable compatibility |
The Muse stands out for its exceptionally thin design and magnetic workflow. Traditional portable SSDs may be more convenient for users who value standard connections, rugged housings or a wider range of cables.
Lexar Muse Portable SSD Price in Nepal
Lexar has not announced the official retail price of the Muse Portable SSD. Tom’s Hardware reported that Lexar representatives were targeting approximately $230 for the 512GB model and $380 for the 1TB model, but these figures are indicative pricing targets rather than confirmed retail prices.
| Variant | Reported target price | Illustrative Nepal estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 512GB | Around US$230 | NPR 35,000–40,000 |
| 1TB | Around US$380 | NPR 55,000–65,000 |
The Nepal prices are rough estimates, not official local prices. Final costs may vary with exchange rates, taxes, shipping and retailer margins.
For buyers in Nepal, it is best to wait for official regional pricing and local availability before making a purchase decision.
Lexar Muse Portable SSD Availability
Lexar introduced the Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD at IFA 2026 and plans to make it available in 512GB and 1TB capacities from Q4 2026. Availability may vary by region.
As of October 14, 2026, the drive is not yet confirmed as widely available for retail purchase. Lexar has also not announced a confirmed Nepal launch date.
Potential buyers should check the official Lexar Muse product page for updates on pricing, availability and compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an ultra-slim external SSD designed for portable storage, phone backups and mobile video recording.
Lexar advertises read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000MB/s.
Lexar plans to offer 512GB and 1TB versions.
Yes. It supports external Apple ProRes recording at up to 4K 120fps on compatible iPhones and supported recording settings.
The drive uses a proprietary magnetic PogoPin connection rather than a standard USB-C port on its body. It connects to compatible devices through the supplied SnapLink Magnetic Cable.
There is no confirmed Nepal price yet. Indicative estimates are around NPR 35,000–40,000 for 512GB and NPR 55,000–65,000 for 1TB, subject to final retail pricing and import costs.
Lexar plans availability from Q4 2026, although timing may vary by region.
Final Verdict
The Lexar Muse Portable SSD takes a different approach to external storage by focusing on ultra-thin design and mobile video workflows. Its compact aluminum body, magnetic attachment and fast transfers could make it appealing to creators who record large amounts of footage on their phones.
Its biggest advantage is portability, particularly for compatible iPhone users who want to record ProRes video directly to external storage. However, the proprietary connector, unconfirmed retail pricing and lack of independent long-duration performance testing are important considerations.
For mobile filmmakers, the Muse is a product worth watching. For users who prioritize ruggedness, standard USB-C connectivity or the lowest price per gigabyte, a conventional portable SSD may remain the more practical choice.
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