26. February 2026
Western Digital Unveils 100Tb Drive Plans As It Stakes Out Record-Breaking Hard Drive Future
Western Digital Unveils Ambitious Hard Drive Roadmap with 40TB HDD and Plans for 100TB HAMR Drives by 2029
The company’s aggressive expansion plans aim to provide hyperscalers and enterprises with unprecedented flexibility in adopting either technology on their own timelines. The latest development marks a significant milestone in Western Digital’s hard drive roadmap, which was recently showcased at its Innovation Day 2026 event.
According to the company, the 40TB UltraSMR hard drive is scheduled for release in the second half of this year, followed by its HAMR-based counterpart in 2027. Moreover, Western Digital plans to introduce 100TB HAMR-based HDDs by 2029, effectively increasing storage capacity by nearly threefold within a span of just over two years.
The flagship HDD from Western Digital this year is the 40TB UltraSMR hard drive, which leverages shingled track layout (SMR) with UltraSMR enhancements. This drive is currently being qualified by two hyperscale customers and represents a significant step forward in the company’s ePMR technology. The previous generation of ePMR-based drives from Western Digital included a 36TB HDD based on ePMR 2 technology with conventional magnetic recording (CMR), a 40TB SMR drive, and a 44TB UltraSMR HDD.
The company’s intention to extend the usage of its ePMR technology to 60TB hard drives means that high-capacity ePMR HDDs will coexist with HAMR drives over the next several years. This strategic move aims to provide hyperscalers and enterprises with a unified platform for ePMR and HAMR drives, utilizing next-generation media that employs iron platinum (FePt) to achieve unprecedented areal densities.
“The result is unprecedented flexibility,” a statement from Western Digital reads. “Hyperscalers and enterprises can adopt either technology on their own timelines with predictable capacity planning and seamless scaling – no forced technology transitions, no infrastructure disruptions, just continuous and accelerating capacity growth built on architecture they already trust.”
The company’s plans to extend its ePMR technology to 60TB hard drives demonstrate a commitment to innovation and a willingness to invest in research and development. The adoption of this technology enables Western Digital to create high-capacity drives that can cater to the growing demands of hyperscalers and enterprises.
In addition to the ePMR-based drives, Western Digital also plans to advance its HAMR-based offerings at an aggressive pace. With plans to offer 100TB HAMD hard drives by 2029, the company is effectively increasing storage capacity by nearly threefold within a span of just over two years. This rapid expansion strategy aims to position Western Digital as a leader in the high-capacity hard drive market.
The impact of these developments on the industry cannot be overstated. As hyperscalers and enterprises continue to demand higher storage capacities, companies like Western Digital are well-positioned to meet these demands. The company’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to invest in research and development position it as a major player in the high-capacity hard drive market.
The announcement of Western Digital’s ePMR technology extension to 60TB hard drives has significant implications for the industry. As companies like Western Digital continue to push the boundaries of storage capacity, we can expect to see further innovations in the coming years. With its aggressive expansion plans and commitment to innovation, Western Digital is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and maintain its position as a leader in the high-capacity hard drive market.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Western Digital is committed to innovation and is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demands for higher storage capacities. The company’s commitment to research and development and its willingness to invest in new technologies position it as a leader in the high-capacity hard drive market, poised to deliver groundbreaking solutions to meet the evolving needs of hyperscalers and enterprises.
The significance of Western Digital’s announcement lies in its potential to reshape the landscape of the high-capacity hard drive market. With its ePMR technology extension and HAMR-based drives on the horizon, the company is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of storage capacity. As we move forward, it will be essential to monitor Western Digital’s progress and assess how these developments impact the industry as a whole.
The development of high-capacity hard drives has far-reaching implications for various sectors, including hyperscalers, enterprises, and consumers. With Western Digital leading the charge in this area, we can expect significant advancements in storage capacity, data transfer rates, and overall performance. As the demand for higher storage capacities continues to grow, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.
The announcement of Western Digital’s 40TB UltraSMR hard drive and plans for 100TB HAMR drives by 2029 marks a significant milestone in the company’s hard drive roadmap. The extension of its ePMR technology to 60TB hard drives represents a major step forward in the development of high-capacity drives, providing hyperscalers and enterprises with unprecedented flexibility.
Western Digital’s commitment to innovation and research and development is evident in its latest announcement. By investing in next-generation technologies like ePMR and HAMR, the company is well-positioned to deliver groundbreaking solutions that meet the evolving needs of hyperscalers and enterprises. As we look to the future, it is clear that Western Digital will play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the high-capacity hard drive market.
The announcement has sparked widespread interest among industry experts, with many praising Western Digital’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to invest in research and development. As the company continues to push the boundaries of storage capacity, it is essential to monitor its progress and assess how these developments impact the industry as a whole.
With Western Digital at the forefront of high-capacity hard drive development, we can expect significant advancements in storage capacity, data transfer rates, and overall performance. The company’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to invest in new technologies position it as a leader in the high-capacity hard drive market, poised to deliver groundbreaking solutions that meet the evolving needs of hyperscalers and enterprises.
The impact of Western Digital’s ePMR technology extension on the industry will be significant, providing hyperscalers and enterprises with unprecedented flexibility. As companies continue to push the boundaries of storage capacity, we can expect further innovations in the coming years. With its aggressive expansion plans and commitment to innovation, Western Digital is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and maintain its position as a leader in the high-capacity hard drive market.
Western Digital’s latest announcement has highlighted the company’s dedication to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of hyperscalers and enterprises. As we move forward, it will be essential to stay informed about the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.
The announcement has sparked widespread interest among industry experts, with many praising Western Digital’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to invest in research and development. With Western Digital leading the charge in high-capacity hard drive development, we can expect significant advancements in storage capacity, data transfer rates, and overall performance.
Western Digital’s ePMR technology extension has significant implications for the industry, providing hyperscalers and enterprises with unprecedented flexibility. As companies continue to push the boundaries of storage capacity, it is essential to monitor Western Digital’s progress and assess how these developments impact the industry as a whole.
The significance of Western Digital’s announcement lies in its potential to reshape the landscape of the high-capacity hard drive market. With its ePMR technology extension and HAMR-based drives on the horizon, the company is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of storage capacity.