As AI-generated content and high-resolution media continue to increase storage demands, Sandisk has introduced a refreshed portable SSD portfolio aimed at users managing larger files across multiple devices. Announced in Dubai on 26 February 2026, the new Sandisk portable SSD lineup is structured into three tiers, covering everyday storage needs through to professional creative workflows. The updated range includes the SANDISK Portable SSD, SANDISK Extreme Portable SSD, and SANDISK Extreme PRO Portable SSD, with the Extreme model available now and the remaining drives scheduled to roll out later this year.
The company positions the new generation as a response to shifting data habits. From 4K and 8K video production to AI-assisted image generation and multi-device editing environments, file sizes have expanded rapidly. Portable solid-state drives have increasingly become working drives rather than simple backup devices, particularly for creators who require consistent transfer speeds and physical durability.
At the center of the announcement is the SANDISK Extreme Portable SSD, which delivers read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s—nearly double the performance of its predecessor. The drive is designed for creative professionals and enthusiasts who regularly move large photo libraries or video projects. According to the company, it can transfer up to 1,000 high-resolution images in under a minute on supported systems. Capacity options range from 1TB to 4TB, with a 500GB version projected.
For more demanding production environments, the SANDISK Extreme PRO Portable SSD increases performance to up to 4,000MB/s read speeds. This tier targets professional photographers, filmmakers, and designers handling high-resolution media, including multi-stream editing and 12K video files. Sandisk states that the drive can move up to 10 minutes of 12K footage in under a minute under optimal conditions. Available capacities range from 2TB to 4TB, with an 8TB model planned.
At the entry level, the SANDISK Portable SSD offers read speeds of up to 1,000MB/s. Aimed at students, office workers, and general consumers, it is positioned as a practical solution for backups, personal archives, and day-to-day storage expansion. Capacities range from 1TB to 2TB, with a 500GB model projected.
Durability remains a central focus across the lineup. The standard Portable SSD is rated for drops of up to two meters, while the Extreme and Extreme PRO variants are rated for up to three meters and carry an IP65 rating for resistance to dust and water. The higher-tier models also include password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, addressing growing concerns around data security as portable drives are increasingly used in transit.
While performance figures are often measured under controlled conditions, the broader takeaway is clear: portable SSDs are evolving from convenience accessories into core workflow tools. As AI-assisted production tools generate larger assets and video resolutions continue to climb, high-speed external storage is becoming less optional and more essential.
With this three-tier portable SSD portfolio, Sandisk is aligning its hardware roadmap with the realities of modern content creation and data mobility—where speed, reliability, and compact design now carry equal weight.
