For many Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, the question isn’t just “What’s next?” but “When?” After the release of Raspberry Pi 5 in late 2023 and its repackaging as the Raspberry Pi 500, expectations naturally turned to the next big upgrade. However, Raspberry Pi has now confirmed that the Raspberry Pi 6 won’t arrive anytime soon — in fact, it’s unlikely before early 2028.
- The Raspberry Pi 6 release is expected roughly 4-4.5 years after the Pi 5.
- The Pi 5 remains the flagship SBC for the foreseeable future.
- Pi 6 will stick to the same form factor with incremental improvements.
- A mechanical keyboard variant, the Pi 500, offers a different use case around the Pi 5.
Why the Raspberry Pi 6 Delay Makes Sense for Many Users
Raspberry Pi’s development cycle has historically been measured in years rather than months. The company’s official commentary suggests that the platform is still versatile and capable enough to meet most needs without rushing a new model. For users relying on the Pi 5, this means stability and continued support rather than frequent hardware churn.
This slower cadence helps maintain software and hardware compatibility across projects, which is critical for education, hobbyist, and professional applications. It also makes more sense economically for users who have recently invested in Pi 5 hardware or the Pi 500 keyboard variant.
The Raspberry Pi 6 Will Bring Incremental, Not Radical, Changes
Raspberry Pi has indicated that the next version will offer “quantitative changes” rather than a fresh design or functionality overhaul. This suggests improvements will focus on processing power, efficiency, or minor feature tweaks rather than a new form factor or dramatic feature set.
For users prioritizing long-term project stability, this approach means the Pi 6 will likely remain compatible with existing accessories and cases. However, those looking for a major leap in capabilities may need to wait or consider alternative SBCs in the meantime.
Price and Availability Context for International Buyers
The Raspberry Pi 5 currently retails around $159 for the Pi 500 model, with prices varying by region and retailer availability. Given the extended lifespan of the Pi 5, buyers outside major markets should consider supply chain factors and local pricing before upgrading to newer Raspberry Pi models.
The trade-off is patience. A longer wait for the Pi 6 keeps the ecosystem stable but means enthusiasts wanting the very latest hardware will need to look elsewhere or make do with current options.
Should You Wait for Raspberry Pi 6 or Stick with Pi 5?
Consider it if you need a reliable and well-supported SBC for education, DIY projects, or prototyping and don’t require the absolute latest hardware.
Skip it if your projects demand cutting-edge specs or specific new features that only a future Pi 6 might bring, though expect to wait until 2028 or later for those.
Overall, Raspberry Pi’s decision to delay the Pi 6 aligns with a practical, stable platform strategy that favors long-term usability over rapid hardware turnover.
(Via)
