Will there be a next gen Wireless Pro?

Western Digital’s My Passport Wireless Pro was once a favorite among photographers, videographers, and creative professionals who needed portable backup and wireless access on the go. Its combination of an internal battery, SD card slot, wireless connectivity, and onboard storage made it a one-of-a-kind tool in the field. However, since its release, the device has not seen a true successor, leading many to ask: Will there be a next-gen Wireless Pro?

While Western Digital has not officially announced a new version as of mid-2025, several factors indicate both the need and the possibility for a next-generation device.

Why Users Still Want a Wireless Pro Successor

1. Mobile Workflow Demand Is Growing

With modern smartphones and mirrorless cameras pushing higher photo and video resolutions, professionals increasingly rely on mobile devices to preview and offload files. A wireless drive that supports fast backups and previews without a laptop remains in demand.

2. Cloud Isn’t Always Available

Despite the rise of cloud storage, it isn't practical in remote shooting locations or travel scenarios where Wi-Fi is limited. A rugged, standalone, wireless storage solution with SD card support is still highly valuable.

3. The Current Wireless Pro Is Aging

The last refresh of the My Passport Wireless Pro dates back several years, and users have noted its aging interface, limited app support, and dated wireless protocols. A new version with modern specs—such as Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, NVMe storage, and faster processors—would be highly welcomed.

What a Next-Gen Wireless Pro Could Offer

If WD decides to release a new Wireless Pro, users are expecting a significant upgrade. Possible features could include:

Wi-Fi 6 or 6E support for faster wireless data transfer

USB-C 3.2 or Thunderbolt for faster wired backups

M.2 NVMe SSD for ultra-fast internal storage

Larger battery life for extended field use

Support for CFExpress or dual SD card slots

Updated mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android

AI-powered previews or RAW processing features

These upgrades would make the device future-proof and highly relevant for professionals in the media and creative industries.

What’s Holding Back a New Release?

There are a few potential reasons why WD has not yet introduced a next-gen model:

Market Shift Toward Cloud and SSDs: Portable SSDs and cloud integrations are taking over traditional workflows, possibly reducing demand for hybrid wireless storage devices.

Mobile OS Restrictions: With iOS and Android increasing sandboxing and file restrictions, supporting seamless wireless workflows is becoming more complex.

Production Costs: Combining high-performance hardware, battery, and wireless radios into one compact and reliable device is expensive and may not be cost-effective for a mainstream market.

Final Thoughts

While nothing is officially confirmed, there is still a strong niche demand for a next-gen WD Wireless Pro. Photographers, filmmakers, and field workers would benefit greatly from modern hardware with the same standalone, wireless backup functionality. If WD can innovate while addressing the pain points of the original device, a new Wireless Pro could once again become an essential tool for creatives on the move.

Until then, professionals may have to rely on workarounds involving portable SSDs, dongles, and laptops—but the hope for an updated all-in-one solution remains alive.