PS5's system software beta version supports up to 8 TB SSD, is it a stepping stone to the appearance of a new model?

On July 31, 2023, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) system software update beta version was delivered. This latest system software update beta reveals that the PS5 now supports M.2 SSDs up to 8TB.

New PS5 beta adds 8 TB M.2 SSD support, doubling the previous maximum - Polygon
https://www.polygon.com/23813952/ps5-beta-8tb-ssd-slim-rumors

With the PS5 system software update beta released on July 31, the maximum capacity of the M.2 SSD that can be used to expand the storage of the PS5 main unit has been expanded to 8TB. Up until now, the maximum capacity of M.2 SSD that could be used for PS5 storage expansion was 4TB.

You can find out how to add an SSD to PS5 by reading the following article.

I added SSD to PlayStation 5 and checked the change in loading time and startup time - GIGAZINE

According to the official PlayStation support page for the M.2 SSD attached to the PS5, a sequential read speed of ``5500MB/s or more'' can be used to expand the storage of the PS5. M.2 SSD with a capacity of 8 TB that satisfies this includes ' SABRENT SSD 8 TB ' etc., but it is necessary to prepare a heat sink separately. Also, those with heat sinks include ' Inland Platinum 8TB NVMe SSD ', ' INLAND 8TB NVMe SSD ', ' CORSAIR MP600 PRO XT 8TB '. However, these are all very expensive, over 100,000 yen.

In July 2023, a document submitted by Microsoft to the court revealed that Microsoft mentioned that ``Sony is planning to release a slim and portable version of PS5.'' Therefore, Polygon reports that 'it suggests that new hardware may be approaching.'

``Sony will release the slim and portable version of PS5 in 2023,'' Microsoft mentions-GIGAZINE

Other features made available with the PS5 system software update beta released on July 31st are summarized on the PlayStation.Blog.

The beta version of the PS5® console update is available today! New features including new accessibility features, audio settings, social features and UI improvements! – PlayStation.Blog Japanese
https://blog.ja.playstation.com/2023/07/31/20230731-ps5-2/