Fujifilm Corporation has announced the launch of the Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 10 40TB data cartridge. This hardware represents an update to the LTO-10 standard, which initially debuted in June 2025 with a 30TB native capacity. The new 40TB version is designed to meet the growing demand for large scale data archiving and long term digital preservation in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and research.
The increased capacity of the LTO-10 40TB cartridge is the result of several engineering adjustments. Fujifilm utilized a proprietary aramid film as the base layer for the tape ribbon. This material is thinner and more durable than the polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film used in prior generations. The reduced thickness allows for a 30 percent increase in the total length of the tape within the same physical cartridge dimensions, reaching 1,337 meters. Additionally, the company implemented fine hybrid magnetic particles to improve areal recording density. This combination allows for a native storage capacity of 40TB and a compressed capacity of 100TB, assuming a 2.5:1 compression ratio.
The 40TB cartridge is fully compatible with existing LTO-10 drive hardware. This compatibility provides a direct upgrade path for organizations that have already invested in LTO-10 infrastructure. The drive technology supports a native data transfer rate of 400MB/s and a compressed rate of up to 1,000MB/s. For security, the system includes AES 256 bit hardware encryption and supports Write Once Read Many (WORM) functionality to comply with data retention regulations.
Environmental resilience is another focal point of the LTO-10 40TB release. Fujifilm has expanded the recommended operating temperature range to 15°C–35°C and the humidity tolerance to 80 percent. These specifications allow for stable performance in a wider variety of data center environments compared to the 30TB model. The air gapped nature of tape storage continues to be utilized as a primary defense against ransomware, as data stored on an unmounted cartridge is physically isolated from network access.
The Fujifilm LTO Ultrium 10 40TB data cartridge will begin shipping to global markets in January 2026. While official MSRP is listed as “open” and varies by region and order volume, industry estimates for a single 40TB cartridge are between $350 and $450. Full height LTO-10 tape drives required to operate these cartridges are currently available through enterprise distributors such as IBM, HPE, and Quantum with prices starting near $10,000. Half height drives are expected to follow in late 2026.
