The highly anticipated Raspberry Pi 5 has officially been announced for an October 2023 release, marking the most significant upgrade to the single-board computer series in over four years. Priced at $60 for the 4GB model and $80 for the 8GB version, this next-generation board delivers a remarkable 2-3x performance boost over its predecessor, powered by a 2.4GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor. For eager makers and tech enthusiasts tracking its availability, Raspberry Pi Trading has confirmed initial shipments to authorized resellers, though demand is expected to significantly exceed supply through early 2024. Despite potential waiting times, this release represents a milestone in affordable computing, introducing features like PCIe support, dual 4K display capabilities, and enhanced power management that make it worth the anticipation for both educational projects and sophisticated IoT applications.
What We Know About the Raspberry Pi 5 Release
Official Statements from Raspberry Pi Foundation
In a recent interview with Tom’s Hardware, Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi, confirmed that the Raspberry Pi 5 is indeed in development but won’t be released in 2023. This announcement came as Upton emphasized the company’s focus on stabilizing the supply chain for the current Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and other existing products.
“We’re still recovering from the supply chain challenges of the past couple of years,” Upton stated. “Our priority is ensuring consistent availability of our current products before introducing new ones.” He further explained that while development is progressing well, the foundation wants to ensure a smooth launch with adequate stock availability when the Pi 5 does arrive.
The foundation has maintained transparency about their timeline, suggesting that the earliest possible release window would be in 2024. However, they’ve emphasized that no specific date has been set, as they want to avoid creating false expectations among their community of makers and educators.
Supply Chain Factors Affecting Release
The global semiconductor shortage has significantly impacted the Raspberry Pi 5’s release timeline. Like many electronics manufacturers, the Raspberry Pi Foundation faces challenges in securing essential components, particularly microprocessors and memory chips. This shortage has already affected the availability of existing Raspberry Pi models, with many retailers struggling to maintain stock levels.
Manufacturing considerations also play a crucial role in the release schedule. The Foundation needs to ensure they have sufficient production capacity to meet the anticipated high demand for the new model. They’ve been working to optimize their supply chain and manufacturing processes, including expanding their manufacturing facilities in Wales, but these improvements take time to implement effectively.
Additionally, the Foundation has maintained its commitment to keeping prices accessible, which means carefully balancing component costs and production efficiencies. This commitment to affordability, while admirable, can sometimes result in longer wait times as they negotiate with suppliers and optimize manufacturing processes to maintain their target price point.
Expected Features and Improvements
Processor and Performance Expectations
The Raspberry Pi 5 is expected to feature significant performance improvements over its predecessor, with industry experts speculating about a more powerful processor and enhanced GPU capabilities. The current Pi 4’s Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core processor could be superseded by a more efficient chip, potentially built on a smaller process node for better power efficiency and performance.
Rumors suggest the Pi 5 might utilize a processor capable of reaching speeds up to 2.5GHz, representing a notable upgrade from the Pi 4’s 1.8GHz ceiling. This boost would enable more demanding applications, from machine learning projects to the ability to run a game server with improved performance.
Graphics processing is another area likely to see substantial enhancement. The VideoCore GPU family has served the Pi well, but users are hoping for more modern graphics capabilities to support newer display technologies and gaming applications. Industry analysts predict potential support for 4K60 output across multiple displays, making the Pi 5 more versatile for media center applications and digital signage.
Memory bandwidth improvements are also anticipated, with speculation pointing toward faster LPDDR5 RAM options. This upgrade would significantly impact overall system performance, especially when handling multiple tasks simultaneously or working with large datasets.
These performance expectations are based on current technology trends and user feedback, though final specifications will only be confirmed upon official announcement.
Anticipated Hardware Updates
Based on industry analysis and previous Raspberry Pi releases, the Pi 5 is expected to feature significant hardware improvements. The most anticipated upgrade is a boost in RAM capacity, with speculation pointing to configurations of up to 8GB, doubling the current maximum of 4GB found in the Pi 4. This increase would greatly enhance the board’s ability to handle more demanding applications and multiple processes simultaneously.
Connectivity-wise, the Pi 5 is likely to maintain the dual-display support but with potential upgrades to HDMI 2.1, enabling higher refresh rates and resolutions. USB connectivity is expected to remain similar to the Pi 4’s configuration, featuring USB 3.0 ports, though there’s speculation about the possibility of a USB-C port for power delivery with higher wattage capabilities.
The Ethernet port is anticipated to receive an upgrade to 2.5GbE, addressing one of the most common requests from the maker community. Wi-Fi capabilities are likely to be enhanced with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, providing faster wireless connectivity and better handling of multiple connected devices.
For storage interfaces, we might see improved PCIe support, potentially allowing for direct NVMe SSD connections without additional hardware. The GPIO header is expected to maintain backward compatibility while possibly introducing new features for advanced IoT applications.
Why the Wait Matters
Current Pi 4 Availability
The Raspberry Pi 4 has faced significant availability challenges since 2021, with demand consistently outpacing supply due to global semiconductor shortages. While the situation has improved in early 2024, many retailers still struggle to maintain steady stock levels, particularly for the popular 8GB model. The official retail price remains at $35 for the 2GB version, $45 for the 4GB model, and $75 for the 8GB variant.
However, actual market prices often exceed these recommended figures, with some retailers charging premium rates due to limited availability. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has prioritized supplying commercial and industrial customers, which has impacted individual consumer access. Recent manufacturing improvements and supply chain optimizations have gradually increased availability, with authorized resellers receiving more regular shipments.
For those seeking to purchase a Pi 4, the best approach is to use stock tracking tools, sign up for retailer notifications, and consider joining waiting lists with authorized distributors. Some regions have seen better availability than others, so checking international sellers (while being mindful of shipping costs) might yield better results. The foundation continues to work on improving production capacity to meet the overwhelming demand.
Alternatives While Waiting
While waiting for the Raspberry Pi 5, several excellent alternatives can keep your projects moving forward. The Raspberry Pi 4 8GB model remains a powerful option for most applications, offering substantial computing power for everything from home servers to robotics projects. For those seeking newer hardware, the Orange Pi 5 and Rock Pi 4 provide similar capabilities with more recent processors.
Budget-conscious makers might consider the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, which delivers impressive performance in a compact form factor. For industrial applications, exploring Compute Module alternatives like the CM4 or third-party solutions can be beneficial.
The BeagleBone Black and NVIDIA Jetson Nano are worth considering for specific use cases, particularly if you’re interested in AI and machine learning projects. Additionally, the Arduino ecosystem continues to evolve with more powerful boards that might suit your immediate needs.
Remember that many projects originally designed for Raspberry Pi can be adapted to work with these alternatives, often with minimal modifications to your code or hardware setup. This waiting period could be an excellent opportunity to explore different platforms and expand your technical expertise.
The Raspberry Pi 5 represents an exciting evolution in the single-board computer landscape, promising enhanced performance and new capabilities for makers, educators, and tech enthusiasts. While the official release date is now confirmed for October 2023, it’s important to approach this launch with both enthusiasm and practical planning.
For those eager to get their hands on the Pi 5, there are several steps you can take to prepare. First, consider signing up for notifications from authorized Raspberry Pi resellers to ensure you’re among the first to know when pre-orders begin. Given the ongoing global supply chain challenges, having multiple purchase options ready will increase your chances of securing a unit early.
While waiting for the Pi 5’s release, you can make the most of your existing Pi setup or explore currently available alternatives. Use this time to plan your future projects, update your knowledge of Python programming, or experiment with GPIO implementations that will transfer to the new model. If you’re new to the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, starting with the Pi 4 remains a viable option, as it will help you build foundational skills that will be valuable when upgrading to the Pi 5.
Remember that initial stock may be limited, and early adoption might come with typical new-release challenges. Consider whether your projects absolutely require the Pi 5’s enhanced capabilities or if current models could suffice for your immediate needs. If you decide to wait, you can use the time to build up your component collection and refine your project plans.
Stay informed through official Raspberry Pi channels and reputable tech news sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the release. Whether you choose to be an early adopter or wait for wider availability, the Pi 5’s release marks an exciting milestone in the single-board computer community, promising new possibilities for makers and developers worldwide.