For 25 years—a quarter of a century!—the SD Association has helped drive, elevate, and transform digital storage. Today, more than 11 billion SD memory cards have been shipped across the globe, creating incredible memories, experiences, and impact for people everywhere.

We take a proud look at the history of the SD Association, from where we have been, where we are, and where we plan on going.

The Early Years of SD Memory Cards

25 years ago, the growing demand for additional storage in consumer electronic devices highlighted the need for a reliable, compact memory solution. At the time, the lack of standardization among memory card formats led to compatibility issues and slowed technological progress. With no unified approach, innovation was fragmented and inefficient.

The SD memory card emerged in response to these challenges—not just to resolve format incompatibilities, but also to meet the increasing need for expandable storage. By introducing a universal standard, the SD memory card helped streamline development and paved the way for broader innovation in digital technology.

The first SD memory card, launched with only 8MB of storage, was groundbreaking. Its portability and removability, allowing for travel and built-in content protection, changed the game for users everywhere and unlocked possibilities for cameras, MP3 players, and later for phones. This change laid the foundation for secure digital content distribution and began a new chapter in the world of mobile data.

The Evolution of SD Memory Cards

Since then, SD memory cards have evolved dramatically through generations of standards. Capacities increased significantly with the introduction of SDHC, SDXC, and now SDUC standards, each allowing for larger storage limits.

Separately, data transfer speeds improved through advancements in bus interfaces, such as UHS (Ultra High Speed) and SD Express, which introduced faster and more efficient ways to move data. From the original 12.5MB/s read speed, SD memory cards have grown to support multi-gigabyte-per-second performance using the PCIe®/NVMe™ interface, meeting the demands of high-resolution video, professional photography, gaming, AI-at-the-edge, and more.

A major milestone came in 2005 with the debut of the microSD memory card. Starting at just 32MB, it transformed the convenience of mobile devices. Today, microSDUC memory cards can store up to 4TB of data in a form factor barely larger than a fingernail—only 1.0 mm (0.039 inches) thick. For comparison, the silicon dies inside these memory cards can be thinner than a human hair, showcasing the incredible innovations in sizing present-day technology.

The Impact of SD Memory Cards Now & In the Future

SD memory cards have not only stored data; they have also fueled the industry and elevated the way we live, work, play, and see the world. How? Their versatility and reliability have made them indispensable. Here’s a look at how they have impacted multiple fields:

• Photography: Whether amateur or professional, photographers rely on SD memory cards to capture and store high-resolution images. The small form factor of silicon based digital memory enabled digital photography – a totally new concept of viewing, editing, and taking pictures on the fly. As photography has evolved from traditional cameras to drones, wildlife cameras, and other remote imaging devices, SD memory cards have enabled new possibilities that were once out of reach, providing the portability and performance needed for modern image capture.
• Videography: The first digital video cameras revolutionized both filmmaking and security. It allowed for recording to be directly saved to SD memory cards, and they could also transfer the recorded videos anywhere instantly. This innovation empowered a new generation of storytellers to create anytime, anywhere, bringing stories from across the globe to life. Additionally, security cameras have elevated safety amongst personal and commercial uses.
• Gaming: Gaming has transformed dramatically since 2000, from simple, cartridge-based handhelds to today’s powerful, portable consoles capable of delivering immersive experiences. Throughout this evolution, SD memory cards have played a crucial role. Initially used for basic save functionality and storage expansion of low-resolution graphics, SD Express memory cards now enable enhanced digital game libraries, downloadable high-resolution content, and faster game loading in devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck. Their portability, reliability, and increasing speed and capacity have helped make modern handheld gaming what it is today.
• Drones: As their popularity increases in personal and commercial use, aerial shots and high-definition surveys captured by drones are continuously powered by SD memory cards.

Today, SD memory cards remain critical as technology continues to advance. They are evolving to meet the growing demands ofAI-at-the-edge applications, IoT devices, autonomous vehicles, and 8K ultra-high-definition media. The newest updates in SD Express technology, based on the leading memory standards protocols of PCIe/NVMe, also paves the way for SD memory cards to act as mini solid-state drives (SSDs), delivering speeds that can keep pace with future innovations.

For 25 years, SD memory cards have been the engine behind our digital lives. In celebrating this milestone, the SDA also marks the 20th anniversary of microSD by giving back and donating to plant trees, empower women, and support a more sustainable, equitable future. The legacy of innovation continues for the well-being of people and the planet.

SD trademarks are owned and licensed by SD-3C LLC.

PCI Express® and PCIe® registered trademarks of PCI-SIG®.

NVM Express™ and NVMe™ are trademarks of NVM Express, Inc.