TL;DR
Raspberry Pi engineers suggest the Pi 6 will likely debut around 2028, emphasizing improved performance rather than new features. Microcontroller shipments are surpassing SBC sales, with ongoing supply constraints. Software remains a key strength.
Raspberry Pi engineers have indicated that the Raspberry Pi 6 is unlikely to launch before early 2028, citing development progress and global component shortages. This suggests the current Pi 5 will remain the flagship for several more years, with a focus on performance improvements rather than new features.
During a Thursday AMA on the r/engineering subreddit, Raspberry Pi lead engineers discussed the development timeline for the Pi 6, estimating a release around 2028, roughly 4-4.5 years after the Pi 5. The delay is attributed to ongoing global DRAM shortages, which impact the cost and availability of components.
The planned enhancements for the Pi 6 include a faster CPU and improved IO capabilities, rather than new features like built-in M.2 slots or additional ports. The engineers emphasized that the focus will be on performance gains, not introducing new hardware functionalities such as dedicated AI chips, as Eben Upton stated, “the CPU is a venue for AI compute.”
Regarding the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, supply constraints are expected to ease as a new vendor is brought online to increase capacity. No Pi Zero 3 is currently planned due to challenges with newer, more expensive RAM and the need to redesign the PCB for faster CPUs. Eben Upton also noted that the Pi 3B remains popular, selling nearly a million units annually, despite its age.
Why It Matters
This development matters because it signals a shift in Raspberry Pi’s product cycle, with a longer wait for the next major hardware update. The focus on performance rather than new features suggests the Pi will continue to serve as a cost-effective, versatile platform for education, hobbyists, and industry for several more years. The supply constraints also highlight ongoing global chip shortages affecting multiple sectors.
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Background
The Raspberry Pi project has historically released new models approximately every 1-3 years, with the Pi 5 launching in 2023. Previous updates included the Pi 2 in 2015, Pi 3 in 2016, and Pi 4 in 2019. The current cycle’s delay reflects broader supply chain issues, especially with DRAM and silicon wafers, which have impacted many electronics manufacturers.
In parallel, Raspberry Pi has been developing microcontrollers, with shipments surpassing SBC sales in 2025, driven by demand for embedded and IoT applications. The Pi Zero 2 W continues to face supply issues, but efforts are underway to increase capacity. The company remains committed to software support as a core strength, with CTO Gordon Hollingworth emphasizing ongoing investment in libraries, drivers, and OS support.
“The Pi 6 probably won’t come before early 2028, and the focus will be on a faster CPU and IO, not new features.”
— Eben Upton
“Power and security were more challenging than expected in developing the RP2350 microcontroller, but recent revisions have addressed key issues.”
— James Adams
“We will spend 95% of our software engineering time supporting libraries, drivers, kernels, and OSes.”
— Gordon Hollingworth
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether the Pi 6 will include any significant new hardware features beyond CPU and IO improvements, or if supply chain issues will cause further delays. The exact release date and detailed specifications are still unconfirmed and subject to change.
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What’s Next
Next steps include ongoing development and testing of the Pi 6, with potential official announcements closer to 2028. Raspberry Pi will also continue addressing supply constraints for the Zero series and focus on enhancing software support to maintain its ecosystem’s strength.
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Key Questions
When is the Raspberry Pi 6 expected to be released?
The Raspberry Pi 6 is likely to launch around 2028, according to current estimates shared by the engineers, but no official date has been announced.
Will the Pi 6 have new features like built-in AI chips?
No. The focus for the Pi 6 will be on performance improvements, such as a faster CPU and IO, rather than new hardware features like AI chips.
Why is the Pi 6 delayed?
The delay is primarily due to global DRAM shortages and supply chain constraints affecting component availability and costs.
What about the Raspberry Pi Zero series?
The Pi Zero 2 W supply issues are expected to improve as new vendors increase capacity. No Pi Zero 3 is currently planned due to design and cost challenges.
Will software support change with the new hardware?
Raspberry Pi emphasizes continued investment in software, with a focus on libraries, drivers, and OS support, which remains a core strength regardless of hardware updates.
Source: Hacker News
