Lexar has unveiled the Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD, an external drive that sacrifices a standard USB-C port to achieve an exceptionally thin design, following a trend also seen from rivals such as Xteink. Due later this year in 512GB and 1TB capacities, the drive measures just 3.8mm at its thickest point, tapering to only 1mm at the edges, making it one of the slimmest portable SSDs on the market while still offering solid performance.

The slim profile is achieved through high-density NAND stacking and a custom ultra-thin PCB architecture, with read speeds reaching up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000MB/s — fast enough for 4K Apple ProRes video recording at up to 120fps on a compatible iPhone. However, the lack of a standard port means users must rely on Lexar's proprietary SnapLink cable, which attaches magnetically via a pogo-pin connector; this risks accidental disconnection during transfers and requires an included magnetic sleeve for mounting to a phone, which adds bulk.