iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case on Kickstarter: 2TB ProRes Storage for iPhone and Android
- Michael
- 42 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Smartphones removed the SD card slot and handed creators two options: pay a monthly cloud subscription, or stop shooting when internal storage fills up. The iRe5 Gen 2 storage case on Kickstarter is built around a third: a MicroSD slot supporting up to 2TB, 65W pass-through charging, and a direct ProRes recording path attached to the back of an iPhone or Android, with no cloud fees and no monthly bill.
The campaign has raised $40,271 from 388 backers against a $638 goal, 63x funded with 15 days remaining. iRe5 shipped Gen 1 to over 1,000 creators via a 2024 Kickstarter campaign and rebuilt Gen 2 directly from their feedback: more ports, pass-through charging, and professional rig compatibility. Gen 2 ships in July 2026 with a 1-year warranty and free worldwide shipping.
Quick Verdict
Who Is It For?
iPhone filmmakers, mobile journalists, drone pilots, and content creators who regularly hit their phone's storage ceiling and want a physical alternative to cloud subscriptions. Also suited to professional mobile filmmakers shooting ProRes on iPhone with camera cages and rigs, and Android creators who need expandable storage and fast transfer capability.
Main Strengths
Up to 2TB MicroSD expansion with direct ProRes recording to external storage, removing the internal storage limit for iPhone video production.
65W PD pass-through charging allows simultaneous shooting, backup, and peripheral connection while the phone charges.
Dual-form design: the Storage Case for pocket-friendly daily carry, the X-Module aluminum hub for professional camera rigs, both sharing the same 2TB expansion and charging architecture.
360 MB/s USB 3.0 transfer turns the phone into a direct external drive for Mac, PC, and iPad workflows, with no drivers or special cables required.
SyncPal app enables one-tap backup and organization of 4K footage by date or project, with no internet required.
Main Limitations
The connector version (USB-C or Lightning) is selected at purchase and dedicated to one phone type: one unit does not serve both an older Lightning iPhone and a USB-C device.
MicroSD cards are not included: buyers need to source their own card separately.
The X-Module and Storage Case are sold separately; only the Duo Bundle includes both forms.
Is the iRe5 Gen 2 on Kickstarter Worth Backing?
The iRe5 Gen 2 combines 2TB physical expansion, 65W pass-through charging, 360 MB/s two-way transfer, and direct ProRes recording in a smartphone-attached form factor with no recurring fees. iRe5's Gen 1 delivery to 1,000+ backers establishes a meaningful track record for a hardware product at this price. At $129 for the Duo Bundle during the Super Early Bird window, this is the lowest pricing these configurations will carry.
What Is the iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case?
The iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case on Kickstarter is a two-form mobile storage and charging system that physically restores expandable storage to smartphones. Both forms share the same performance core: a MicroSD slot supporting up to 2TB, 65W PD pass-through charging, and USB 3.0 transfer at up to 360 MB/s. The hardware stays the same. The form changes depending on how you work.
The Storage Case is silicone, protrusion-free, and built to disappear into a pocket alongside the phone. The X-Module is aluminum, 60.0x40.5x5.6mm, and built to snap onto a camera cage without blocking grips or lens mounts. Both run the same technology: the same MicroSD slot, the same 65W pass-through charging, the same USB 3.0 path. What changes is the context you carry it in.
iRe5 shipped Gen 1 to over 1,000 creators on Kickstarter in 2024. Gen 2 was developed from that community's feedback, with pass-through charging and the X-Module's professional connectivity as the primary additions. The campaign does not provide detailed company information beyond the product line.
What Problem Does the iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case Solve?
The SD card slot disappeared from smartphones around 2017, and with it went the ability to expand storage without a monthly subscription. For creators shooting 4K ProRes or recording drone footage, a 256GB phone fills in a single production day. Cloud uploads require WiFi, consume time, and cost money every month. Charging while shooting from an external accessory has historically meant choosing between power and connectivity.
The iRe5 Gen 2 phone case handles each of these from one attachment point. MicroSD expansion up to 2TB removes the cap on what the phone can hold. Pass-through charging at up to 65W means the phone charges while the creator shoots, backs up, and connects peripherals. The USB 3.0 two-way transfer path at up to 360 MB/s replaces the cloud upload with a direct cable connection to any Mac, PC, or iPad. The SyncPal app organizes the backup layer by project and date without internet.
For a drone pilot who fills cards on a single flight, a mobile filmmaker shooting ProRes, or a journalist working without reliable WiFi, the Gen 2 changes what a production day actually requires to carry.
iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case Key Features and Specs: Storage, Charging, Recording, and Connectivity
2TB MicroSD Expansion and SyncPal: Physical Storage Without Monthly Fees
The iRe5 Gen 2 storage case supports MicroSD cards up to 2TB (tested maximum), accessed directly from the phone without cloud intermediaries. Files from drones, action cameras, and DSLRs transfer directly to the phone or to the MicroSD card without a separate card reader. Standard MicroSD cards are not included and must be sourced separately.
The SyncPal app handles the organization layer: one tap backs up the full media library to the MicroSD card, organizes 4K footage by date or project, and syncs files across the SD card, phone, and computer without internet. Up to 2TB catches everything the phone would have missed; SyncPal turns it into something findable without manual sorting.
65W Pass-Through Charging: Power While You Shoot and Transfer
Pass-through charging at up to 65W is the core addition from Gen 1 to Gen 2. Previous mobile storage accessories forced a choice between staying connected and keeping the phone charged. The Gen 2 accepts PD charging through its USB-C input and passes power to the phone while maintaining the data connection for recording, backup, and peripheral use.
Power input covers 5V-20V DC with PD Fast Charging support. Standby power consumption is under 5.0mA. Wireless charging is also supported alongside the wired pass-through path. On a long production day, the phone stays charged while the workflow continues without stopping.
Direct ProRes Recording and 360 MB/s Transfer: From Field to Studio
The iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case on Kickstarter supports direct ProRes recording from iPhone to the MicroSD card, bypassing the phone's internal storage entirely. For filmmakers shooting high-bitrate iPhone ProRes, this bypasses the phone's internal storage cap entirely. External SSD and SD card readers connect via the expansion USB-C port for recording speeds up to 360 MB/s.
Two-way file transfer uses the same USB 3.0 path: connect the X-Module or Storage Case to a Mac, PC, or iPad via USB-C and the device appears as a high-speed external drive. No drivers, no special cables, no cloud routing. Drag-and-drop transfer of 4K video, RAW photos, and project files runs at up to 360 MB/s.
X-Module and Storage Case: Two Forms for Two Workflows
The Storage Case integrates storage into the phone case itself: silicone body, protrusion-free profile, 14mm average thickness, 91.2g total. It works for daily carry, travel, and any situation where you want storage that does not announce itself. The connector attaches directly to the phone's USB-C or Lightning port.
The X-Module is the professional form: aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, 60.0x40.5x5.6mm, engineered to attach to camera cages and rigs without blocking grips or lens mounts. It carries the same storage and charging core with additional ports for 3.5mm microphones, external SSDs, and USB-C peripherals simultaneously. The Filmmaker Adapter Kit ($30 add-on) includes eight precision-angled adapters for professional rig integration. Both forms use the same MicroSD card and the same SyncPal workflow.
iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case Price on Kickstarter
The Duo Bundle (Super Early Bird) is $129 (MSRP $249) and includes both the Storage Case and X-Module. With 92 units remaining at this price, it is the recommended entry for anyone who works both in daily carry situations and on production days. The Storage Case alone is approximately $76 (MSRP $129.9) and the X-Module alone approximately $84 (MSRP $119.9); both prices appear as approximations in the campaign and may reflect currency conversion.
All tiers include free worldwide shipping, taxes, customs, and a 1-year warranty. Optional add-ons include the Lightning interface option ($2) for legacy iPhone users, the SyncPal Backup Key and App Bundle ($10), and the Filmmaker Adapter Kit ($30) for professional rig integration. Estimated delivery is July 2026.
The Duo Bundle at $129 costs less than buying the two forms separately at approximately $160, and both ship together with free worldwide shipping included.
Should You Back the iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case on Kickstarter?
The iRe5 Gen 2 is not a phone case with a storage slot bolted on. It is built for the creator who has already maxed out both their phone's internal storage and their patience for monthly cloud fees.
The case against cloud storage is economic: monthly fees, WiFi dependency, and bandwidth limits. The iRe5 Gen 2 swaps all of that for a one-time purchase that physically expands your phone's storage, charges it at 65W while you work, and transfers footage at 360 MB/s to any desk setup. The Storage Case covers daily carry. The X-Module covers production days. Switching between the Case and X-Module does not interrupt the workflow. Same card, same files, same backup structure.
iRe5 delivered Gen 1 to over 1,000 backers in 2024. Gen 2 was shaped by that community's specific feedback. The Duo Bundle with 92 Super Early Bird units remaining covers both use cases at $129. The Storage Case at $76 makes sense for creators whose work stays off professional rigs. Both ship July 2026.
FAQ about the iRe5 Gen 2 Storage Case
Is the iRe5 Gen 2 compatible with Android?
Yes. The iRe5 Gen 2 is compatible with USB-C Android devices. A dedicated USB-C version covers most flagship Android smartphones. Compatibility depends on the specific phone's USB-C implementation; the device is designed for standard USB-C Android devices.
What MicroSD cards work with the iRe5 Gen 2?
The iRe5 Gen 2 supports MicroSD cards up to 2TB (tested maximum). Standard MicroSDXC cards from major brands are compatible. Cards are not included in any tier and must be purchased separately.
Can the iRe5 Gen 2 charge the phone while recording ProRes?
Yes. The 65W PD pass-through charging allows simultaneous ProRes recording to the MicroSD card and fast charging of the phone without interrupting the data connection. This is the core addition from Gen 1 to Gen 2.
Does the iRe5 Gen 2 work with Lightning iPhones?
Yes. A dedicated Lightning connector version is available for $2 extra at checkout. USB-C covers newer iPhones and Android; Lightning covers older iPhone models. The connector version is selected at purchase and is dedicated to one phone type.
What is the iRe5 Gen 2 price on Kickstarter?
The Duo Bundle (Storage Case and X-Module) is $129 during the Super Early Bird window. The Storage Case alone is approximately $76 and the X-Module alone approximately $84. Free worldwide shipping and taxes are included in all tiers. Estimated delivery is July 2026.
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