Raspberry Pi 5 release date expectation & predicted specs
Raspberry Pi-pe dream, for now
It would seem that the electronic hobbyists of the world are thirsting for the Raspberry Pi 5 release date. This makes sense, as it’s been more than 4 years since the previous version was released, meaning that we are overdue an update to the open-source mini-computer line-up. Given the feverish anxiety with which the community lusts after a new one, we thought we’d go over the details.
So, we’re going to talk about the Raspberry Pi 5 release date, the specs, the pricing, and any other details we can get our grubby little PC hobbyist hands-on. Remember, the Raspberry Pi 4 has been around for a while but can be hard to track down. Check out our dedicated where to buy a Raspberry Pi 4 page for all the information you need before you make your purchase.
When is the Raspberry Pi 5 coming out?
If we cast our minds back to the previous versions of the Raspberry Pi, a release date pattern does not emerge, as there have been differing periods of time between releases:
- Raspberry Pi release date: 2012
- Raspberry Pi 2 release date: 2015
- Raspberry Pi 3 release date: 2016
- Raspberry Pi 4 release date: 2019
So, no pattern is obvious here. There have been small updates and revisions between these releases, however, we’re just talking about the mainline products today.
As you can see, there’s yet to be a gap between releases larger than 3 years. As mentioned earlier, we’re rapidly approaching 4 years at the time of writing. There is a reason behind the delay, though. When the pandemic hit in 2020, and the global chip shortage arrived, many tech companies, including the Raspberry Pi Foundation were hit by a lack of market demand. Now that the economy is (somewhat) improving, so too is the demand for the Raspberry Pi – and we saw the release of the Raspberry Pi 4A model, a micro version of the Raspberry Pi 4.
That being said, according to a roundtable live stream type of thing, they aren’t working toward a Raspberry Pi 5 release date. Eben Upton (Raspberry Pi’s CEO) mentioned in an interview in December 2022 that following these disruptions, we shouldn’t expect the Pi 5 during 2023 – adding that it’s “a recovery year” for the team. This feels pretty conclusive, and it comes from a valuable direct source. Still, some technology outlets are confident one is on its way.
Specifically when we can’t say, but 2024 isn’t too much to ask for, given the amount of time since the last one. This means a release date window around Q1 next year could make a lot of sense but we’ll have to wait and see.
Raspberry Pi 5 spec expectations
Now for some good old-fashioned specification speculation. We’ve struggled to find any rumors that actually hold water, however, we can say some things with confidence. There are a few aspects of the previous Raspberry Pi that need fixing, which is no doubt a priority.
Raspberry Pi 5 expected specifications breakdown
Here’s the breakdown of the expected specifications of the Pi 5:
- Better heatsinks/better cooling
- Full HDMI 2.1 ports
- 2.0GHz clock speed processor
- Onboard storage options
- Windows support
First up is heat dissipation. Anyone even passingly familiar with the Raspberry Pi 4 will know that it could get unbearably, dangerously hot during normal use. So a more efficient method of heat dissipation is almost certain for the Raspberry Pi 5.
We could also see an upgrade to Bluetooth connectivity, with the latest LTE standard implemented. Speaking of connectivity, the Raspberry Pi 5 might get rid of the cursed Micro HDMI ports in favor of a couple of full-size ones, maybe even HDMI 2.1.
What’s even more likely is an upgrade to the original Raspberry Pi 4’s quad-core Cortex-A72 1.5GHz processor – which was superseded by a 1.8GHz. the processor in the 8GB model. It’s very likely that we could see a 2.0GHz processor making its way into the early models of the Raspberry Pi 5 – with perhaps a mid-life-cycle update a couple of years into its existence.
Built-in storage might also be something to look forward to ahead of the Raspberry Pi 5 release date. Micro SDHC is all well and good, but throughput speeds would be considerably improved with at least a few GB of onboard storage. A lightweight eMMC storage option would be nice to see.
Finally, there are rumors a Raspberry Pi 5 could support Windows. We know the operating systems can be installed on a Raspberry Pi 4, so there’s every chance it’ll make the cut. Again, this is pure speculation as at the time of writing nothing has been confirmed.
Raspberry Pi 5 rumored specs
Now we’ve got what to expect out the way, we can move on to discussing some early rumors for the Raspberry Pi 5. There’s nothing confirmed yet, but this serves as a good benchmark (so to say) to look forward to if you’re interested in the Raspberry Pi. These rumored specs definitely have to be taken with a grain of salt, but given the progression of previous Raspi models, we’d say they can’t be massively far off.
- CPU: 64-bit SoC, 2GHz, Quad-core Cortex-A76 (ARM v8.2)
- RAM: Up to 16GB LPDDR5 SDRAM (4GB and 8GB models expected)
- Display ports: HDMI (x2)
- USB port: 5V DC / USB-C connector
- SD/MMC: Micro-SD card slot
- GPIO: 5V DC / GPIO header
- Wi-Fi: Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless
Raspberry Pi 5 expected price
As the Raspberry Pi 5 release date hasn’t been confirmed, nor has the existence of the device itself. As you might understand, this makes guessing a price pretty tricky. If it does come around, we think it’s likely there will be a number of models – which range from budget to top end, with the key differentiator being the amount of memory.
Since the Raspberry Pi 4 desktop kit currently retails for $120, the Raspberry Pi 5 price can be expected to be higher than that – especially given the rising cost of materials. We think the top-of-the-range Raspberry Pi 5 price will come in at around $160. Expect different models boasting smaller storage to come in less than that – with the entry-level model likely coming in higher than the Pi 4’s starting price of $35 for a 1GB variant.
Is there going to be a Raspberry Pi 5?
Although it’s still not officially announced, we can be fairly certain the Raspberry Pi 5 is on its way, eventually. There are plenty of rumors going around the web about when to expect the Raspi 5; some forget to wonder whether there is going to be a Pi 5 or not. Regardless, Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi, has made some mentions about the Raspberry Pi 5 in passing but hasn’t gone into any specifics. This alone could mean that it’s already in development and that it will come in the future.
Raspberry Pi alternatives are becoming more popular while we wait for the newest edition of the Pi, so there’s no better time for them to jump back into the market with a product to blow everything else out of the water. We just have to wait and see.
What is a Raspberry Pi?
A Raspberry Pi is a small single-board computer developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It is designed to promote computer science education and programming skills in schools and developing countries. The device is about the size of a credit card and is powered by a micro USB port.
The Raspberry Pi can be used for a variety of purposes, such as learning to code, creating media centers, building robots, and more. It runs on a Linux-based operating system and has several input and output options, including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet ports.
It is also equipped with GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins, which allow users to connect and control external hardware devices. The Raspberry Pi has become popular among hobbyists and makers, as it provides an affordable and versatile platform for various projects.
What can I use the Raspberry Pi for?
The Raspberry Pi can be used for a multitude of things, and the upcoming Pi 5 will enable you to do it all more efficiently, while opening up additional possibilities. Here’s a quick list of some the best uses for the humble Raspi.
- Media center or live streaming / video playback
- Game emulation
- Robotics
- Game server or web server
- Camera
- Radio station
- Bot for social media or AI project
- Home security
Essentially, the uses are pretty endless if you’re within the realm of computing. It is a super portable PC with plenty of connections. Full-sized HDMI ports and a slot for your MicroSD card are among some of the basics.
It’s also compatible with a number of OS (operating systems) – with the main one for desktop use being the official Raspberry Pi OS. For servers though, DietPi is a popular choice, Batocera for gaming, and LibreElec if you want to create a media center. These are all Linux-based.
Raspberry Pi 5 release date: FAQs
Is the Raspberry Pi 5 release date confirmed?
No, there has been no official word to confirm a Raspberry Pi 5 release date, however, we are due a new one as it’s been almost 4 years since the last one.
How much will the Raspberry Pi 5 cost?
While the Raspberry Pi 5 has not been confirmed. The Raspberry Pi 4 desktop kit currently retails for $120, so a modest price premium above that, like $160 is realistic.
What’s the difference between Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5?
We are yet to see the specs for the Raspberry Pi 5, so it’s hard to judge it’s exact specifications. Regardless, we can see that previous Raspi generations focused on improving the system-on-a-chip processor/graphics, memory size, and additional features such as ethernet & wireless support.
Are the Raspberry Pi 5 specs released?
There are currently no official Raspberry Pi 5 specs released at the moment. In the meantime, we look to rumors and predictions as a means of figuring out what to expect from the Raspi 5 hardware. We see a natural progression from the Raspi 4 models being likely.
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