SSDs are certainly becoming more compact, but at CES 2025, a company asserted that it has developed the “world’s tiniest portable” solid-state drive. Upon examining ShiftCam’s Planck, it’s difficult to challenge that claim.
Planck is a small, rectangular dongle that connects to an iPhone’s bottom through USB-C. In contrast to conventional flash drives, which often feature connectors on the shorter side, Planck’s connector is situated in the center of the device. This smart design enables it to integrate flawlessly with the iPhone’s form when attached.
What really caught my attention was how thin the Planck is. Initially, I mistook it for an SSD card reader because of its streamlined design. Nevertheless, this is not just an accessory—it’s a fully operational solid-state drive.
The Planck is especially attractive to content creators who leverage the iPhone’s remarkable camera capabilities, including its capacity to record high-quality Apple ProRes video in 4K. These videos take up considerable storage space, making a portable SSD with up to 2TB of capacity a crucial asset for those who face limitations with the iPhone’s internal storage.
ShiftCam, the creator of Planck, is recognized for designing user-friendly iPhone accessories designed specifically for creators. Their product range includes stands, ring lights, and even the SnapGrip—a portable dock and charger that turns the iPhone into a DSLR-like shooting setup. The Planck integrates perfectly into this ecosystem, serving mobile content creators in need of effective storage options.
What distinguishes Planck from ShiftCam’s other offerings is its move away from the company’s typical use of MagSafe technology. The majority of ShiftCam’s accessories are crafted to connect magnetically, but the Planck employs a different strategy. Still, this isn’t entirely out of sync with the brand, as ShiftCam also manufactures iPhone camera lenses that step outside its MagSafe-focused range.
Alongside the Planck, ShiftCam is preparing to launch a USB-C hub, which will allow users to connect several Planck drives to their iPhones at once. This added feature will further expand the device’s functionality.
The Planck is expected to debut through a crowdfunding campaign next month, with early bird pricing beginning at $125 for the 1TB model and $199 for the 2TB variant. For mobile content creators in search of additional storage, this compact SSD could offer a significant solution.