The Lexar Muse SSD Is Too Thin to Have a USB-C Port

The Lexar Muse is a portable solid-state drive (SSD) manufactured by Lexar, a memory and storage brand, that the company claims to be the world's thinnest portable SSD. The device solves the problem of ultra-portable high-capacity storage by measuring only 3.8mm at its thickest point, tapering to 1mm at the edges. Because of its extreme thinness, the drive cannot house a standard USB-C port and instead relies on a proprietary magnetic cable connection for data transfer.

Key Facts

This section provides the core technical specifications and availability details for the Lexar Muse portable SSD, as announced by Lexar.

How Does the Lexar Muse Connect Without a USB-C Port?

The Lexar Muse uses a proprietary connection system because its 3.8mm profile is too thin to house a standard USB-C port. The SSD connects via a PogoPin magnetic data connection, and data transfer is facilitated by a separate cable called the SnapLink Magnetic Cable, which features a standard USB-C connector on the opposite end.

This design choice allows the device to achieve its ultra-slim form factor. While the connection method is proprietary, the cable's USB-C end ensures compatibility with devices that have a USB-C port. The company specifies that the SSD "supports direct external recording of Apple ProRes 4K video at up to 120 fps on compatible iPhone models".

The Lexar Muse's proprietary PogoPin magnetic data connection and SnapLink Magnetic Cable are required because the drive's 3.8mm thickness is insufficient for a standard USB-C port.

What Are the Lexar Muse's Performance Specifications?

The Lexar Muse is designed for high-speed data transfer, achieving read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. These performance metrics are positioned to support demanding tasks such as direct external recording of high-frame-rate video.

Lexar specifically highlights the drive's capability for mobile video production, stating it "supports direct external recording of Apple ProRes 4K video at up to 120 fps on compatible iPhone models". While the drive can technically work with any device with a USB-C port, its feature set suggests it is optimized for use with the iPhone 15 or newer models.

The Lexar Muse delivers maximum sequential read speeds of 1,050 MB/s and write speeds of 1,000 MB/s, enabling direct external recording of Apple ProRes 4K video at up to 120 fps on compatible iPhones.

Who Is This For?

The Lexar Muse is primarily intended for iPhone users, specifically those with an iPhone 15 or newer, who require high-capacity, high-speed external storage for professional video recording. Lexar depicts the Muse sitting in a sleeve that attaches magnetically to the back of a phone or case, similar to an Apple MagSafe Wallet.

This form factor suggests the target user is a mobile content creator who needs to record large ProRes video files directly to an external drive without the bulk of traditional portable SSDs. The magnetic sleeve accessory allows the drive to be physically attached to the back of a compatible phone, creating a seamless mobile recording setup.

The Lexar Muse is designed for iPhone 15 or newer users who need to record Apple ProRes 4K video at up to 120 fps directly to a compact external SSD.

Common Questions

Why does the Lexar Muse not have a USB-C port?

The Lexar Muse is too thin to house a standard USB-C port. At its thickest, the drive measures only 3.8mm, which tapers to 1mm at the edges, necessitating a proprietary PogoPin magnetic connection and a SnapLink Magnetic Cable for data transfer.

What devices are compatible with the Lexar Muse?

While the drive can technically work with any device that has a USB-C port, it is made primarily for the iPhone 15 or newer. Lexar specifically notes its support for direct external recording of Apple ProRes 4K video on compatible iPhone models.

When will the Lexar Muse be available and what is the price?

The Lexar Muse will be made in 512GB and 1TB capacities, with availability starting in Q4 of 2026. Specific pricing and local availability details have not been announced, with Lexar noting that "regional availability may vary" and that "specifications, pricing and compatibility may differ by market".

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on information from the Lowyat.NET article titled "Lexar Unveils Muse SSD That’s Too Thin To Have A USB-C Port" and the official Lexar sources cited within it. The primary sources include Lexar's global news announcement and product page for the Muse Ultra-Slim Portable SSD.

All facts, figures, and quotes were extracted directly from the provided source material. No data has been independently verified or supplemented from external sources. This article was last updated on the date of the original publication.