Raspberry Pi#Operating systems
{{Short description|Series of low-cost single-board computers}}
{{Redirect|RPi|other uses|RPI (disambiguation){{!}}RPI|the dessert|Raspberry pie}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox computing device
| name = Raspberry Pi
| logo = Raspberry Pi Logo.svg
| logo_upright = 0.4
| image = Raspberry Pi 1, Pi 5, Pi 400, Zero 2 and Pico.jpg
| caption = Various Raspberry Pi computers (Pi 1, Pi 5, Pi 400, Zero 2W and Pico)
| developer = Raspberry Pi Holdings
| manufacturer = Sony (under contract)
| type = Single-board computers
| release date = {{Start date and age|2012|2|29|df=yes}}
| units sold = 68 million (as of March 2025)
| os = Raspberry Pi OS (default)
| storage = MicroSD slot
| website = {{official URL}}
}}
Raspberry Pi ({{IPAc-en|p|aɪ}} {{respell|PY}}) is a series of small single-board computers (SBCs) developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in collaboration with Broadcom. To commercialize the product and support its growing demand, the Foundation established a commercial entity, Raspberry Pi Holdings, a public company that trades on the London Stock Exchange.{{Cite web |last=Cooban |first=Anna |date=2024-06-11 |title=Why investors are going gaga over a tiny, $35 computer {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/11/tech/raspberry-pi-ipo-london-stock-exchange/index.html |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=CNN |language=en}}
The Raspberry Pi was originally created to help teach computer science in schools,{{cite web |last=Cellan-Jones |first=Rory |date=5 May 2011 |title=A£15 computer to inspire young programmers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/rorycellanjones/2011/05/a_15_computer_to_inspire_young.html |work=BBC News}}{{Cite news |last=Price |first=Peter |date=3 June 2011 |title=Can a £15 computer solve the programming gap? |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9504208.stm |access-date=2 July 2011 |work=BBC Click}}{{cite web |last=Bush |first=Steve |date=25 May 2011 |title=Dongle computer lets kids discover programming on a TV |url=https://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2011/05/25/51129/Dongle-computer-lets-kids-discover-programming-on-a.htm |access-date=11 July 2011 |work=Electronics Weekly}} but gained popularity for many other uses due to its low cost, compact size, and flexibility. It is now used in areas such as industrial automation, robotics, home automation, IoT devices, and hobbyist projects.
The company's products range from simple microcontrollers to computers that the company markets as being powerful enough to be used as a general purpose PC.{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=2024-01-08 |title=What I learned from using a Raspberry Pi 5 as my main computer for two weeks |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/01/what-i-learned-from-using-a-raspberry-pi-5-as-my-main-computer-for-two-weeks/ |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}} Computers are built around a custom designed system on a chip and offer features such as HDMI video/audio output, USB ports, wireless networking, GPIO pins, and up to 16 GB of RAM. Storage is typically provided via microSD cards.
In 2015, the Raspberry Pi surpassed the ZX Spectrum as the best-selling British computer of all time. {{As of|2025|3}}, 68 million units had been sold.
History
= Origins and Launch (2008–2012) =
The concept of the Raspberry Pi was inspired by the 1981 BBC Micro from Acorn Computers,{{Cite web |date=22 April 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi • View topic – Raspberry Pi as the successor of BBC Micro |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5118 |access-date=12 June 2013 |publisher=raspberrypi.org |quote=The Foundation trustees tried very hard to get an agreement to use the BBC Micro name, right up to May 2011. /../ Eben touched on the subject a bit during his speech at the Beeb@30 celebration at the beginning of the month}} with the "Model A" and "Model B" names being a direct reference.{{Cite web |last=Williams, Chris |date=28 November 2011 |title=Psst, kid... Wanna learn how to hack? |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/11/28/raspberry_pi/page3.html |access-date=24 December 2011 |website=The Register}} The name "Raspberry Pi" itself is a combination of the fruit-naming tradition for early computer companies and a reference to the Python programming language.{{Cite web |date=22 May 2012 |title=Interview with Raspberry's Founder Eben Upton |url=https://www.techspot.com/article/531-eben-upton-interview/ |access-date=28 February 2020 |website=TechSpot}} Early hardware concepts dating back to 2006 were based on an Atmel ATmega644 microcontroller.{{Cite web |last=Wong, George |date=24 October 2011 |title=Build your own prototype Raspberry Pi minicomputer |url=https://www.ubergizmo.com/2011/10/build-raspberry-pi-minicomputer/ |access-date=2 November 2011 |publisher=ubergizmo}}
The Raspberry Pi Foundation was established as a registered charity in 2009 by a group including Eben Upton.{{Cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Foundation |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06758215 |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=Companies House}}{{EW charity|1129409|Raspberry Pi Foundation}} They were concerned by a decline in the number and skill level of students applying to the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory.{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.raspberrypi.org/about/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425012911/http://www.raspberrypi.org/about/ |archive-date=25 April 2014 |website=RaspberryPi.org |via=Internet Archive}} The foundation's goal was to create an affordable computer to inspire children to learn programming.{{Cite web |date=2011-06-06 |title=Register of Charities – The Charity Commission – Raspberry Pi Foundation Charity number: 1129409 |url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5002372 |publisher=Charity Commission for England and Wales |quotation=The object of the charity is to further the advancement of education of adults and children, particularly in the field of Computers, Computer Science and related subjects}}File:Raspberry Pi board at TransferSummit 2011 cropped.jpgThe first prototypes resembled small USB sticks.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2011 |title=Tiny USB-Sized PC Offers 1080p HDMI Output |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/Raspberry-Pi-David-Braben-Ubuntu-9-OLPC-Railroad-Tycoon,12709.html |access-date=1 February 2012}} By August 2011, fifty functionally complete "alpha" boards were produced for testing,{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=28 July 2011 |title=Raspberry Pi $25 PC goes into alpha production |url=https://www.geek.com/articles/chips/raspberry-pi-25-pc-goes-into-alpha-production-20110728 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102112319/https://www.geek.com/articles/chips/raspberry-pi-25-pc-goes-into-alpha-production-20110728/ |archive-date=2 November 2012 |access-date=1 August 2011 |publisher=Geek.com}} with demonstrations showing them running a Debian-based desktop and handling 1080p video playback.{{Cite web |date=27 August 2011 |title=Raspberry Pi YouTube Channel |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_mDuJuvZjI&list=UUhmozgJ0cqX8Gx7676ZQ4ig&feature=plcp |access-date=28 August 2011 |website=YouTube}}{{Cite web |date=7 September 2011 |title=Full HD video demo at TransferSummit Oxford |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgR74Kp6Ws4 |access-date=12 September 2011 |website=YouTube}} In late 2011, twenty-five "beta" boards were finalized,{{Cite web |title=What happened to the beta boards? |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=2868 |access-date=16 September 2014}}{{Cite web |date=December 2011 |title=We have PCBs! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/389 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219025045/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/389 |archive-date=19 February 2014 |access-date=16 September 2014}}{{Cite web |title=Bringing up a beta board |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/431 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122091052/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/431 |archive-date=22 January 2014 |access-date=16 September 2014}} and to generate publicity before the official launch, ten of these were auctioned on eBay in early 2012.{{Cite web |date=31 December 2011 |title=We're auctioning ten beta Raspberry Pi's; |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/482 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511011000/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/482 |archive-date=11 May 2012 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}}{{Cite news |last=Williams, Chris |date=3 January 2012 |title=That Brit-built £22 computer: Yours for just £1,900 or more |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/01/03/raspberry_pi_auction/ |access-date=10 January 2012 |work=The Register}}
The first commercial Raspberry Pi, the Model B, was launched on February 29, 2012, with an initial price of $35. Demand far exceeded expectations, causing the websites of the two initial licensed distributors, Premier Farnell and RS Components, to crash from high traffic.{{Cite news |date=28 February 2012 |title="Set your alarms!" – Raspberry Pi looks ready for early Wednesday launch |url=https://www.cabume.co.uk/the-cluster/qset-your-alarmsq-raspberry-pi-looks-ready-for-early-wednesday-launch.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301154403/http://www.cabume.co.uk/the-cluster/qset-your-alarmsq-raspberry-pi-looks-ready-for-early-wednesday-launch.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |access-date=28 February 2012 |work=Cabume}}{{Cite news |last=Paul, Ryan |date=29 February 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi retailers toppled by demand as $35 Linux computer launches |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2012/02/raspberry-pi-retailers-toppled-by-demand-as-35-linux-computer-launches.ars |access-date=29 February 2012 |work=Ars Technica}}{{Cite news |last=Naughton, John |date=4 March 2012 |title=The Raspberry Pi can help schools get with the programme |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/mar/04/raspberry-pi-schools-computer-science |access-date=12 March 2012 |work=The Observer |location=London}} Initial batches sold out almost immediately, with one distributor reporting over 100,000 pre-orders on the first day. The lower-cost $25 Model A followed on February 4, 2013.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2013 |title=Launch of the Model A announced |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/3215 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209164607/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/3215 |archive-date=9 February 2014 |access-date=16 September 2014}}
The Raspberry Pi did not ship with a pre-installed operating system. While ports of RISC OS 5 and Fedora Linux were available,{{Cite web |last=Holwerda, Thom |date=31 October 2011 |title=Raspberry Pi To Embrace RISC OS |url=https://www.osnews.com/story/25276/Raspberry_Pi_To_Embrace_RISC_OS |access-date=1 November 2011 |website=OSNews}}{{Cite web |date=8 March 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi Fedora Remix, our recommended distro, is ready for download! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/805 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615012959/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/805 |archive-date=15 June 2012 |access-date=22 June 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}}{{Cite news |last=Chung, Emily |date=24 February 2012 |title=$35 computer 'Raspberry Pi' readies for launch |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/35-computer-raspberry-pi-readies-for-launch-1.1181342 |access-date=28 February 2012 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |location=Canada}} a port of Debian called Raspbian quickly became the standard. Released in July 2012, it was optimized to leverage the Raspberry Pi's floating-point unit, offering significant performance gains.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2012 |title=Getting ready for launch: first root filesystem available for download |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/645 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220040851/https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/645 |archive-date=20 February 2012 |access-date=16 July 2013 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}}{{Cite web |date=20 August 2012 |title=ArmHardFloatPort |url=https://wiki.debian.org/ArmHardFloatPort |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521001958/https://wiki.debian.org/ArmHardFloatPort |archive-date=21 May 2013 |access-date=17 July 2012 |website=Debian Wiki |publisher=Debian}} Raspberry Pi quickly endorsed it as the official recommended OS, and by September 2013, the company assumed leadership of Raspbian's development.{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2013-03-06 |title=How two volunteers built the Raspberry Pi's operating system |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/03/how-two-volunteers-built-the-raspberry-pis-operating-system/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}
= Corporate Evolution =
In 2012, the Foundation restructured, creating Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd. to handle engineering and commercial activities, with Eben Upton as its CEO.{{Cite web |title=Eben Upton CBE |url=https://archivesit.org.uk/interviews/eben-upton-cbe/ |access-date=2020-11-17 |website=Archives of IT |language=en-US}} This allowed the Raspberry Pi Foundation to focus solely on its charitable and educational mission. Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd. was renamed Raspberry Pi Ltd. in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Liz |date=2021-10-06 |title=Welcome to our new website! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/new-raspberry-pi-website/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=raspberrypi.com |language=en-GB}} In June 2024, the company went public on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol RPI, becoming Raspberry Pi Holdings.{{Cite web |title=London Stock Exchange {{!}} London Stock Exchange |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/stock/RPI/raspberry-pi-holdings-plc/about:blank |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=www.londonstockexchange.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=2024-05-15 |title=Raspberry Pi prepares to go public and expand its lineup of supercheap computers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/15/24157355/raspberry-pi-public-ipo-announcement |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Pounder |first=Les |date=2024-05-22 |title=$40 million Raspberry Pi IPO is set for June |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi/dollar40-million-raspberry-pi-ipo-is-set-for-june |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Tom's Hardware |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kharpal |first=Arjun |date=2024-06-11 |title=Computing firm Raspberry Pi pops 31% in rare London market debut |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/11/rasperry-pi-ipo-computing-firm-to-raise-211-million.html |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=CNBC |language=en}}
= Post-Launch Production (2012–2014) =
Following the launch, the first units reached buyers in April 2012.{{Cite web |date=16 April 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi boards begin shipping today (video) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/raspberry-pi-begins-shipping/ |access-date=6 May 2012 |website=Engadget}} To address overwhelming demand and initial supply chain issues, the Foundation ramped up production to 4,000 units per day by July.{{Cite news |date=16 July 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi lifts sale restrictions, open to bulk buyers |url=https://www.electronista.com/articles/12/07/16/rs.farnell.manufacturing.4000.raspberry.pis.per.day/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817072954/http://www.electronista.com/articles/12/07/16/rs.farnell.manufacturing.4000.raspberry.pis.per.day/ |archive-date=17 August 2012 |access-date=29 August 2012 |work=Electronista |publisher=Macintosh News Network}}{{Cite web |date=16 July 2012 |title=Want to buy more than one Raspberry Pi? Now you can! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1588 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719082250/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1588 |archive-date=19 July 2012 |access-date=16 July 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}} The first batch of 10,000 boards was produced in factories located in Taiwan and China.{{Cite news |last=Lee, Robert |date=17 January 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi Balks at UK Tax Regime |url=https://www.tax-news.com/news/Raspberry_Pi_Balks_At_UK_Tax_Regime____53494.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308000549/http://tax-news.com/news/Raspberry_Pi_Balks_At_UK_Tax_Regime____53494.html |archive-date=8 March 2012 |access-date=20 January 2012 |work=Tax-News.com}}{{Cite news |last=Weakley, Kirsty |title=UK computing charity opts to manufacture product abroad |url=https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance/news/content/11318/uk_computing_charity_manufacturing_product_abroad |access-date=20 January 2012 |publisher=Civil Society Media}} A significant strategic shift occurred in September 2012, when manufacturing began moving to a Sony factory in Pencoed, Wales.{{Cite news |last=Dunn |first=John E |date=7 September 2012 |title=Raspberry Pi resurrects UK computer industry with new jobs |url=https://www.computerworlduk.com/news/open-source/3379912/raspberry-pi-resurrests-uk-computer-industry-with-new-jobs/ |access-date=13 September 2012 |work=Computerworld UK}}{{Cite web |last=Tung |first=Liam |date=27 July 2017 |title=Raspberry Pi: 14 million sold, 10 million made in the UK |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/14-million-raspberry-pis-sold-10-million-made-in-the-uk/ |publisher=ZDNet}} During this period, the hardware was also refined: the Model B Revision 2.0 board was announced with minor corrections, and in October, its included RAM was doubled to 512 MB.{{Cite web |date=6 September 2012 |title=Upcoming board revision |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1929 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907204413/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1929 |archive-date=7 September 2012 |access-date=5 September 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}}{{Cite web |date=5 September 2012 |title=board revision for rev 2.0 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1929 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014132801/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1929 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}}{{Cite web |title=Model B now ships with 512 MB of RAM |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/2180 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016212754/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/2180 |archive-date=16 October 2012 |access-date=15 October 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}}
The post-launch period focused heavily on software and ecosystem development. In August 2012, the Foundation enabled hardware-accelerated H.264 video encoding and began selling licenses for MPEG-2 and VC-1 codecs.{{Cite web |date=7 February 2012 |title=Hardware-assisted H.264 video encoding |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2886 |publisher=raspberrypi.org}}{{Cite web |last=Jurczak |first=Paul |title=Raspberry Pi camera module |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=6120 |access-date=15 October 2012 |publisher=Raspberrypi.org}}{{Cite web |title=New video features! MPEG-2 and VC-1 decode, H.264 encode, CEC |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1839 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825201206/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1839 |archive-date=25 August 2012 |access-date=26 August 2012 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}} A major milestone for the open-source community occurred in October 2012, when the Foundation released the VideoCore IV graphics driver as free software. While the claim of it being the first fully open-source ARM SoC driver was debated, the move was widely praised. This effort culminated in February 2014 with the release of full documentation for the graphics core and a complete source release of the graphics stack under a 3-clause BSD license.{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=28 February 2014 |title=Raspberry Pi marks 2nd birthday with plan for open source graphics driver |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/02/raspberry-pi-marks-2nd-birthday-with-plan-for-open-source-graphics-driver/ |access-date=27 July 2014 |website=Ars Technica}}
= Product Line Expansion (2014–present) =
In 2014, the product line began to diversify with the introduction of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module for embedded uses and the refined Model B+.{{cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Compute Module: New Product! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-compute-module-new-product/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921063749/http://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-compute-module-new-product/ |archive-date=21 September 2014 |access-date=22 September 2014 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}}{{cite web |date=14 July 2014 |title=Introducing Raspberry Pi Model B+ |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/introducing-raspberry-pi-model-b-plus/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714173900/http://www.raspberrypi.org/introducing-raspberry-pi-model-b-plus/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |access-date=14 July 2014 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}} A smaller, cheaper ($20) Model A+ was released in November 2014.{{cite web |date=10 November 2014 |title=RASPBERRY PI MODEL A+ ON SALE NOW AT $20 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/#raspberry-pi-model-a-plus-on-sale |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110233834/https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/#raspberry-pi-model-a-plus-on-sale/ |archive-date=10 November 2014 |access-date=10 November 2014 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}} A significant leap in performance came in February 2015 with the Raspberry Pi 2, which featured a 900 MHz quad-core CPU and 1 GB of RAM.{{Cite web |title=Raspberry Pi 2 on sale now at $35 Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-2-on-sale |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202104347/http://www.raspberrypi.org/raspberry-pi-2-on-sale/ |archive-date=2 February 2015 |access-date=3 February 2015}} Following its release, the price of the Model B+ was lowered to $25, a move some observers linked to the emergence of lower-priced competitors.{{Cite web |date=14 May 2015 |title=Price cut! Raspberry Pi Model B+ now only $25 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/price-cut-raspberry-pi-model-b-now-only-25/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520133708/https://www.raspberrypi.org/price-cut-raspberry-pi-model-b-now-only-25/ |archive-date=20 May 2015 |access-date=19 May 2015}}{{Cite web |date=18 May 2015 |title=Raspberry Pi slashes price after rival launches on Kickstarter |url=https://www.itpro.co.uk/desktop-hardware/24587/raspberry-pi-slashes-price-after-rival-launches-on-kickstarter |access-date=19 May 2015}}
The Raspberry Pi Zero, launched in November 2015, radically redefined the entry point for computing at a price of just $5.{{cite web |date=26 November 2015 |title=Raspberry Pi Zero: the $5 Computer |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero/ |access-date=26 November 2015 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}} In February 2016, the Raspberry Pi 3 marked another major milestone by integrating a 64-bit processor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The product line continued to expand with the wireless-enabled Raspberry Pi Zero W (February 2017),{{Cite web |date=28 February 2017 |title=New $10 Raspberry Pi Zero comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/02/new-10-raspberry-pi-zero-comes-with-wi-fi-and-bluetooth/ |website=arstechnica.com}}{{Cite web |date=28 February 2017 |title=New product! Raspberry Pi Zero W joins the family |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero-w-joins-family/ |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}} the faster Raspberry Pi 3B+ (March 2018),{{Cite news |date=14 March 2018 |title=Raspberry PI 3B+ on sale now |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-3-model-bplus-sale-now-35// |access-date=21 March 2018}} Raspberry Pi 3A+ (November 2018),{{Cite news |date=15 November 2018 |title=New product: Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ on sale now at $25 – Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/new-product-raspberry-pi-3-model-a/ |access-date=15 November 2018 |work=Raspberry Pi}} and Compute Module 3+ (January 2019).{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=James |date=28 January 2019 |title=Compute Module 3+ on sale now from $25 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/compute-module-3-on-sale-now-from-25/ |access-date=29 January 2019 |website=raspberrypi.org}}
The Raspberry Pi 4, launched in June 2019, represented another major performance leap with a faster processor, up to 8 GB of RAM, dual-monitor support, and USB 3.0 ports. A compute module version (CM4) launched in October 2020.{{Cite news |date=19 October 2020 |title=Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 on sale now from $25 – Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-compute-module-4/ |access-date=16 January 2021 |work=Raspberry Pi}} This era saw further diversification with the Raspberry Pi 400 (a computer integrated into a keyboard) in November 2020,{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=The Raspberry Pi |title=Buy a Raspberry Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-400/ |website=Raspberry Pi}} and the Raspberry Pi Pico in January 2021. The Pico, based on the in-house designed RP2040 chip, marked the company's first entry into the low-cost microcontroller market.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=James |date=21 January 2021 |title=Meet Raspberry Silicon: Raspberry Pi Pico now on sale at $4 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-silicon-pico-now-on-sale/}} The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, introduced in 2021, featured a faster processor, providing a significant performance boost while maintaining the low-cost, compact form factor.
The global chip shortage starting in 2020, as well as an uptake in demand starting in early 2021, notably affected the Raspberry Pi, causing significant availability issues from that time onward.{{cite web |title=Raspberry Pi: Why they are so hard to buy right now, and what you can do about it |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/raspberry-pi-why-they-are-so-hard-to-buy-right-now-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ |website=ZDNet}} The company explained its approach to the shortages in 2021, and April 2022,{{cite web |date=4 April 2022 |title=Production and supply-chain update |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/production-and-supply-chain-update/}} explaining that it was prioritising business and industrial customers.
The Raspberry Pi 5 was released in October 2023, featuring an upgraded CPU and GPU, up to 16 GB of RAM, a PCIe interface for fast peripherals and an in-house designed southbridge chip. Updated versions of the Compute Module (CM5) and keyboard computer (Pi 500) based on the Pi 5's architecture were subsequently announced. The Raspberry Pi Pico 2, released in 2024, introduced the RP2350 microcontroller, featuring selectable dual-core 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 or RISC-V processors, 520 KB of RAM, and 4 MB of flash memory.
= Sales Milestones =
The Raspberry Pi's sales demonstrated remarkable growth. The one-millionth Pi was sold by October 2013,{{Cite news |date=7 October 2013 |title=Baked in Britain, the millionth Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24435809 |access-date=8 October 2013 |work=BBC News}} a figure that doubled just a month later.{{Cite web |title=Two Million! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/5265 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117180334/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/5265 |archive-date=17 November 2013 |access-date=18 November 2013}} By February 2016, sales reached eight million units, surpassed the ZX Spectrum as the best-selling British computer of all time.{{Cite web |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=29 February 2016 |title=Raspberry Pi 3: the credit card-sized 1.2 GHz PC that costs $35 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/29/raspberry-pi-3-launch-computer-uk-bestselling |website=The Guardian}} Sales hit ten million in September 2016,{{Cite web |date=8 September 2016 |title=Ten millionth Raspberry Pi, and a new kit – Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/ten-millionth-raspberry-pi-new-kit/ |access-date=9 September 2016 |quote=we've beaten our wildest dreams by three orders of magnitude}} thirty million by December 2019,{{Cite tweet |number=1205646606504275968 |user=EbenUpton |title=Raspberry Pi numbers get stale fast. We sold our thirty-millionth unit some time last week (we think Tuesday). |date=13 December 2019}} and forty million by May 2021.{{Citation |title=Chris Fleck and Eben Upton on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/chrisfleck/status/1392224692862427138 |publisher=Chris Fleck |quote=Great call with @EbenUpton today. Congrats on 40 Million #RaspberryPi sold!}} As of its tenth anniversary in February 2022, a total of 46 million Raspberry Pis had been sold.{{Citation |title=One decade, 46 million units: Happy birthday, Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.theregister.com/2022/02/28/pi_at_10/ |publisher=The Register / Richard Speed |quote=Upton tells us that approximately 46 million units have been manufactured to date.}} {{As of|2025|3}}, 68 million units had been sold.
Series and generations
There are five main series of Raspberry Pi computers, each with multiple generations. Most models feature a Broadcom system on a chip (SoC) with an integrated ARM-based central processing unit (CPU) and an on-chip graphics processing unit (GPU). The exception is the Pico series, a microcontroller which uses the RP2040, a custom-designed SoC with an ARM-compatible CPU but no GPU.
= Flagship series =
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The flagship Raspberry Pi series, often referred to simply as "Raspberry Pi", offers high-performance hardware, a full Linux operating system, and a variety of common ports in a compact form factor roughly the size of a credit card.
- The Model B (2012) features a 700 MHz single-core 32-bit ARM11 CPU, a VideoCore IV GPU, 512 MB RAM and a 26-pin GPIO header.
- The Model A (2013) is a lower-cost version with 256 MB RAM, no Ethernet, and fewer USB ports.
- The Model B+ and Model A+ (2014) add a 40-pin GPIO header, microSD card support, and replace the RCA video connector with a combined 3.5 mm audio/video jack.
- {{Visible anchor|Raspberry Pi 2|text=The Raspberry Pi 2 Model B}} (2015) includes a 900 MHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and 1 GB of RAM.
- {{Visible anchor|Raspberry Pi 3|text=The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B}} (2016) features a 1.2 GHz quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A53 CPU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB boot support.
- The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (2018) upgrades to a 1.4 GHz CPU, faster Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support.
- The Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ (2018) is the final A-series model, offering the same features as the 3B+, but with 512 MB RAM and in a smaller form factor.
- {{Visible anchor|Raspberry Pi 4|text=The Raspberry Pi 4}} (2019) introduces a 1.5 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 CPU, a VideoCore VI GPU, USB 3.0 ports, true Gigabit Ethernet, support for dual 4K monitors, and options for 1, 2, 4, or 8 GB of RAM.
- {{Visible anchor|Raspberry Pi 5|text=The Raspberry Pi 5}} (2023) features a 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU, a VideoCore VII GPU, PCIe support, and options for 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB of RAM. It omits the 3.5 mm audio/video jack.{{cite web|last=Humphries|first=Matthew|title=Raspberry Pi 5 Arrives in October With a Huge Performance Boost|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/raspberry-pi-5-arrives-in-october-with-a-huge-performance-boost|date=28 September 2023|access-date=9 November 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Speed |first=Richard |date=28 September 2023 |title=Raspberry Pi 5 revealed: faster, but lacks audio jack |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/09/28/raspberry_pi_5_revealed/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250416211633/https://www.theregister.com/2023/09/28/raspberry_pi_5_revealed/ |archive-date=2025-04-16 |access-date=2025-06-05 |work=The Register |language=en}}
= Keyboard series =
File:Raspberry Pi 400 (50586757772).jpg
The Keyboard series combines Raspberry Pi hardware and ports into a keyboard computer form factor, providing a self-contained Linux-based desktop system.
- {{anchor|Raspberry Pi 400}}The Raspberry Pi 400 (2020) features a custom board based on the Pi 4. It includes a 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a large integrated heat sink. It supports dual 4K monitors via two micro HDMI ports and includes gigabit Ethernet.{{cite web |date=2020-11-03 |title=Designing Raspberry Pi 400 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/designing-raspberry-pi-400/ |access-date=2021-07-07 |website=Raspberry Pi}}{{cite web |last=Upton |first=Eben |date=9 November 2021 |title=Bullseye bonus: 1.8GHz Raspberry Pi 4 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/bullseye-bonus-1-8ghz-raspberry-pi-4/ |access-date=14 November 2021}}
- {{anchor|Raspberry Pi 500}}The Raspberry Pi 500 (2024) is based on the Pi 5 and succeeds the Pi 400. It features a 2.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Unlike the Raspberry Pi 5, it lacks a PCIe interface.{{cite web |last=Pounder |first=Les |date=9 December 2024 |title=Raspberry Pi 500 Review: The keyboard is the computer, again |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-500-review |access-date=9 December 2024 |website=Tom's Hardware}}{{Cite web |last=Geerling |first=Jeff |date=December 9, 2024 |title=The Pi 500 is much faster, but lacks M.2 |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2024/pi-500-much-faster-lacks-m2 |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=jeffgeerling.com}}
= Zero series =
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| caption2 = The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, introduced in 2021
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The Raspberry Pi Zero series are compact, low-cost, and low-power single-board computers that provide basic functionality and Linux compatibility for embedded and minimalist computing applications.
- The Raspberry Pi Zero (2015), priced at US$5, features a 1 GHz single-core ARM11 CPU, 512 MB of RAM, mini HDMI, and micro USB ports for data and power. It includes an unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header, with pins provided but not pre-soldered.
- The Zero v1.3 (2016) added a camera connector.{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Eben |date=2016-05-16 |title=Zero grows a camera connector |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/zero-grows-camera-connector/ |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=Raspberry Pi |language=en-GB}}
- The Zero W (2017) introduced onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for US$10.{{Cite news |title=The $10 Raspberry Pi Zero W brings Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the minuscule micro |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3175256/computers/the-10-raspberry-pi-zero-w-brings-wi-fi-and-bluetooth-to-the-minusule-micro-pc.html |access-date=28 February 2017 |work=PC World}}
- The Zero WH (2018) added pre-soldered GPIO pins for US$15.{{Cite news |last=Bate |first=Alex |date=12 January 2018 |title=Zero WH: Pre-soldered headers and what to do with them |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/zero-wh/ |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation}}
- The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (2021), priced at US$15, features a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU and includes wireless connectivity. The Zero 2 WH variant adds a pre-soldered GPIO header for US$18.
= Pico series =
File:Raspberry Pi Pico top and bottom composite.jpg
{{Distinguish|PIC microcontrollers}}
{{See also|RP2040}}
The Pico series are compact microcontroller boards based on Raspberry Pi-designed chips. Unlike other models, they do not run Linux or support removable storage, and are instead programmed by flashing binaries to onboard flash memory.
- The Raspberry Pi Pico (2021) was the first board based on the in-house RP2040 microcontroller. It features a dual-core 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ CPU, 264 KB of RAM, and 2 MB of flash memory, priced at US$4.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Ian |title=The Raspberry Pi Pico is a tiny $4 microcontroller running off the company's very own chip |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2021/1/21/22242619/raspberry-pi-pico-microcontroller-tiny-computer-diy-projects |access-date=22 January 2021 |publisher=The Verge |date=21 January 2021}} The Pico W (2022) adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and launched at US$6.{{Cite news|url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/raspberry-pi-pico-w-your-6-iot-platform/|title=Raspberry Pi Pico W: your $6 IoT platform|work=Raspberry Pi|access-date=30 June 2022}} The board has a castellated edge for direct soldering to a carrier board; versions are available with pre-soldered, bottom-mounted header pins, the Pico H for US$5 and the Pico WH for US$7.
- The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (2024) introduced the RP2350 microcontroller, featuring selectable dual-core 32-bit ARM Cortex-M33 or RISC-V processors, 520 KB of RAM, and 4 MB of flash memory, priced at US$5.{{cite press release |last1=Upton |first1=Eben |title=Raspberry Pi Pico 2, our new $5 microcontroller board, on sale now |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/raspberry-pi-pico-2-our-new-5-microcontroller-board-on-sale-now/ |website=Raspberry Pi |access-date=8 August 2024}} The Pico 2 W adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for US$7.{{Cite web |last=Dillet |first=Romain |date=2024-11-25 |title=Raspberry Pi releases the Pico 2 W, a $7 wireless-enabled microcontroller board |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/25/raspberry-pi-releases-the-pico-2-w-a-7-wireless-enabled-microcontroller-board/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=TechCrunch}}
= Compute Module series =
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| caption2 = Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
}}
The Compute Module series, also known as "CM" models, offer flagship-equivalent hardware in a stripped-down format intended for industrial and embedded use. They omit onboard ports and GPIO pins, requiring connection to a separate baseboard tailored to the application.
- The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 1 is based on the original Raspberry Pi and features a single-core ARM11 processor, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of flash memory storage. It is built on the same form-factor as a SO-DIMM RAM module.
- The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 is based on the Raspberry Pi 3 and features a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of flash memory storage. A "Lite" version with no flash memory storage is available. It is built on the same form-factor as a SO-DIMM RAM module.
- The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+ is based on the Raspberry Pi 3+ with the ARM Cortex-A53 CPU running at a higher clock speed, 1 GB of RAM and 8, 16 or 32 GB of flash memory storage. A "Lite" version with no flash memory storage is available. It is built on the same form-factor as a SO-DIMM RAM module.
- The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 is based on the Raspberry Pi 4 with the ARM Cortex-A72 CPU, 1, 2, 4 or 8 GB of RAM and 8, 16 or 32 GB of flash memory storage. A "Lite" version with no flash memory storage is available. Onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is optional. It is built on a form-factor with dual 100-pin high density connectors. A Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4S version uses the same form-factor as a SO-DIMM RAM module.
- The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 is based on the Raspberry Pi 5 with the ARM Cortex-A76 CPU, 2, 4 or 8 GB of RAM and 16, 32 or 64 GB of flash memory storage. A "Lite" version with no flash memory storage is available. Onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is optional. It is built on a form-factor with dual 100-pin high density connectors.
{{sticky header}}
class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" |
Series
! scope="col" | Model ! scope="col" | SoC !CPU ! scope="col" | Memory ! scope="col" | Ethernet ! scope="col" | Wireless ! scope="col" | GPIO ! scope="col" | Released ! scope="col" | Discontinued |
---|
rowspan="18" |Flagship
| rowspan="2" |1B | rowspan="6" |BCM2835 | rowspan="6" |ARM11 | 256 MB | rowspan="2" {{Yes|100 Mbit}} | rowspan="6" {{No}} | rowspan="3" | 26-pin | 2012 | rowspan="3" {{Yes N}} |
512 MB |
1A
| 256 MB | {{No}} | 2013 |
1B+
| 512 MB | {{Yes|100 Mbit}} | rowspan="3" | 40-pin | rowspan="3" | 2014 | {{No Y}} |
rowspan="2" | 1A+
| 256 MB | rowspan="2" {{No}} | {{Yes N}} |
512 MB
| {{No Y}} |
2B
| BCM2836 |A7 | 1 GB | {{Yes|100 Mbit}} | {{No}} | 40-pin | 2015 | {{No Y}} |
3B
| rowspan="3" | BCM2837 | rowspan="3" |A53 | 1 GB | {{Yes|100 Mbit}} | {{Yes}} | rowspan="3" |40-pin | 2016 | rowspan="3" {{No Y}} |
3A+
| 512 MB | {{No}} | rowspan="2" {{Yes}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="dual"}} | 2018 |
3B+
| 1 GB | {{Yes|300 Mbit}}{{efn|group="nicspeed"|name="usb"}} | 2018 |
rowspan="4" |4
| rowspan="4" |A72 | 1 GB | rowspan="4" {{Yes|Gigabit}} | rowspan="4" {{Yes}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="dual"}} | rowspan="4" |40-pin | {{No Y|No}}{{efn|group="discontinued"|name="Pi4"}} |
2 GB
| rowspan="3" {{No Y}} |
4 GB |
8 GB
| 2020 |
rowspan="4" |5
| rowspan="4" | BCM2712 | rowspan="4" |A76 | 2 GB | rowspan="4" {{Yes|Gigabit}} | rowspan="4" {{Yes}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="dual"}} | rowspan="4" | 40-pin | 2024 | rowspan="4" {{No Y}} |
4 GB
| rowspan="2" | 2023 |
8 GB |
16 GB |
rowspan="2" |Keyboard
|400 |BCM2711 |A72 |4 GB | {{Yes|Gigabit}} | {{Yes}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="dual"}} |40-pin |2020 |{{No Y}} |
500
|BCM2712 |A76 |8 GB | {{Yes|Gigabit}} | {{Yes}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="dual"}} |40-pin | {{No Y}} |
rowspan="2" | Zero
|1 | BCM2835 | rowspan="2" | 512 MB | rowspan="2" {{No}} | rowspan="2" {{Optional}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="24band"}} | rowspan="2" | 40-pin | 2015 | rowspan="2" {{No Y}} |
2
| BCM2710{{efn|group="soc"|name="custom"}} |A53 | 2021 |
rowspan="2" | Pico
|1 | RP2040 |M0+ | 264 KB | rowspan="2" {{No}} | rowspan="2" {{Optional}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="24band"}} | rowspan="2" | 40-pin | 2021 | rowspan="2" {{No Y}} |
2
| RP2350 |M33 | 520 KB | 2024 |
rowspan="10" |Compute module
|1 |BCM2835 |512 MB |{{No}} |{{No}} |None | |{{No Y}}{{efn|group="production"|name="YesBut"}} |
3
| rowspan="2" |BCM2837 | rowspan="2" |A53 | rowspan="2" |1 GB | rowspan="2" {{No}} | rowspan="2" {{No}} | rowspan="2" |None | |{{No Y}}{{efn|group="production"|name="YesBut"}} |
3+
| |{{No Y}} |
rowspan="4" |4
| rowspan="4" |BCM2711 | rowspan="4" |A72 |1 GB | rowspan="4" {{No}} | rowspan="4" {{Optional}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="24band"}} | rowspan="4" |None | | rowspan="4" {{No Y}} |
2 GB
| |
4 GB
| |
8 GB
| |
rowspan="3" |5
| rowspan="3" |BCM2712 | rowspan="3" |A76 |2 GB | rowspan="3" {{No}} | rowspan="3" {{Optional}}{{efn|group="wifi"|name="24band"}} | rowspan="3" |None | | rowspan="3" {{No Y}} |
4 GB
| |
8 GB
| |
{{notelist|group="Form Factor"|refs=
{{efn|group="discontinued"|name="Pi4"|Temporarily discontinued between 2020 and 2021.{{Cite news|last=Halfacree|first=Gareth|date=March 2020|title=Raspberry Pi 4 now comes with 2 GB RAM Minimum|page=6|work=The MagPi|publisher=Raspberry Pi Press|issue=91|url=https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/issues/91/pdf|access-date=28 May 2020|quote=we say farewell to the 1 GB model}}}}
{{efn|group="soc"|name="custom"|Custom Raspberry Pi SiP RP3A0}}
{{efn|group="nicspeed"|name="usb"|Gigabit Ethernet; Throughput limited to ca. 300 Mbit/s by the internal USB 2.0 connection}}
{{efn|group="wifi"|name="dual"|Dual band}}
{{efn|group="wifi"|name="24band"|"W" models only, 2.4 GHz band}}
{{efn|group="production"|name="YesBut"|In production, but not recommended for new designs
}}
}}
Hardware
The Raspberry Pi has undergone multiple hardware revisions, with changes in processor type, memory capacity, networking features, and peripheral support.{{Cite web |last=Khaliq |first=Azzief |date=2024-04-27 |title=The Evolution Of Raspberry Pi: From Prototype To Single-Board Computing Workhorse |url=https://www.slashgear.com/1566508/raspberry-pi-history-evolution-small-single-board-computer/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=SlashGear}}
Processor speeds have ranged from 700 MHz on early models to 2.4 GHz on the Raspberry Pi 5. RAM has increased from 256 MB on the original model to up to 16 GB on the Pi 5. Storage is typically provided via a SD card, though some Compute Module variants include onboard eMMC storage.{{Cite web |title=Flashing the Compute Module eMMC |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/computemodule/cm-emmc-flashing.md |access-date=2021-07-14 |website=Raspberry Pi Documentation}} Newer models also support booting from USB-attached drives, and the Pi 5 can boot from NVMe drives connected via the PCIe interface.{{Cite web |last=Geerling |first=Jeff |title=I'm booting my Raspberry Pi 4 from a USB SSD |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2020/im-booting-my-raspberry-pi-4-usb-ssd |access-date=2021-07-14 |website=JeffGeerling.com}}{{Cite web |last=Geerling |first=Jeff |date=May 14, 2024 |title=microSD cards' SBC days are numbered |url=https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2024/microsd-cards-sbc-days-are-numbered |access-date=2025-06-08 |website=JeffGeerling.com}}
Digital video and audio output to a display is via HDMI for digital video and audio output, and many also support composite video via an RCA connector, a 3.5 mm jack, or a board header.
Most models include a GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header that provides power and supports multiple low-speed interfaces. This header allows connection to various accessories and custom hardware.
Networking capabilities vary by model. B-model boards feature a wired Ethernet port, while most models produced after the Pi 3 include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.{{cite web|date=2016-09-15|title=Raspberry Pi 3 Model B WiFi & Bluetooth Setup|url=https://www.deviceplus.com/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-wifi-bluetooth-setup/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Device Plus}}
= Processors and system-on-chip =
File:Raspi 15807388763 6d259773fb o.png
Raspberry Pi boards have used various system on a chip (SoC) designs developed in partnership with Arm and Broadcom, with each generation introducing improvements in performance and capability.
The original Raspberry Pi used the BCM2835, featuring a 700 MHz single-core ARM11 processor and a VideoCore IV GPU, which remained in use through the Pi 3 series.{{cite web |date=1 September 2011 |title=BCM2835 Media Processor; Broadcom |url=https://www.broadcom.com/products/BCM2835 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513032855/https://www.broadcom.com/products/BCM2835 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=Broadcom.com}}{{cite news|url=https://www.grandmax.net/2012/01/broadcom-bcm2835-soc-has-powerful.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218012632/https://www.grandmax.net/2012/01/broadcom-bcm2835-soc-has-powerful.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 February 2012|title=Broadcom BCM2835 SoC has the most powerful mobile GPU in the world?|date=30 January 2012|work=Grand MAX|access-date=13 April 2012|author=Brose, Moses}} The Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W also use the BCM2835, but with the CPU clocked at 1 GHz.[68]
The Raspberry Pi 2 introduced the BCM2836 with a 900 MHz quad-core 32-bit Cortex-A7 CPU.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-2-on-sale/|title=Raspberry Pi 2 on sale now at $35|publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation|date=2 February 2015|first=Eben|last=Upton|access-date=5 August 2015}} A later revision (V1.2) used the 64-bit BCM2837 with a Cortex-A53 CPU, also clocked at 900 MHz. The Raspberry Pi 3 retained the BCM2837, with the CPU clocked up to 1.4 GHz in later models.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/|title=Buy a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B – Raspberry Pi|website=raspberrypi.org}}{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-a-plus}}{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-plus/}} The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W uses the RP3A0, a system in a package (SiP) containing a 64-bit quad-core BCM2710 processor with a Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1 GHz and 512 MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM stacked above.{{Cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Documentation – Processors |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/processors.html |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=www.raspberrypi.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=October 2021 |title=Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Product Brief |url=https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rpizero2/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w-product-brief.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Raspberry Pi Datasheets}}
The Raspberry Pi 4 introduced the BCM2711, a 64-bit SoC with a quad-core Cortex-A72 processor running at 1.5 GHz (later increased to 1.8 GHz), a VideoCore VI GPU, and support for hardware virtualization.{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi 4 Model B specifications|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/specifications/|access-date=28 June 2019}}{{cite journal|last=Merten|first=Dr. Maik|date=14 September 2019|title=Raspi-Kernschau – Das Prozessor-Innenleben des Raspberry Pi 4 im Detail|trans-title=Raspi-kernel-show – The inner life of the Raspberry Pi 4 processor in detail|language=de|journal=C't|volume=2019|issue=20|pages=164–169}}{{cite web|title=22. Raspberry Pi 4 — Trusted Firmware-A documentation|url=https://trustedfirmware-a.readthedocs.io/en/latest/plat/rpi4.html|website=trustedfirmware-a.readthedocs.io|access-date=2020-05-04}}{{cite web|title=Playing with a Raspberry Pi 4 64-bit|url=https://blog.cloudkernels.net/posts/rpi4-64bit-virt/|website=CloudKernels|date=10 July 2019|access-date=2020-05-04}} The Raspberry Pi 5 features the BCM2712, with a quad-core Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4 GHz, a VideoCore VII GPU at 800 MHz, cryptographic extensions, and a dedicated RP1 southbridge chip designed in-house.{{cite web|date=September 2023|title=Raspberry Pi 5 Product Brief|url=https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rpi5/raspberry-pi-5-product-brief.pdf|access-date=2 October 2023|website=Raspberry Pi}}
Raspberry Pi has also developed its own chips outside of its partnership with Broadcom. The Raspberry Pi Pico uses the RP2040, featuring dual-core 32-bit Cortex-M0+ processors running at 133 MHz and 264 kB of on-chip RAM.{{Cite web |date=July 2022 |title=Pico Product Brief |url=https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/pico-product-brief.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Raspberry Pi Datasheets}}{{Cite web |title=RP2040 Datasheet |url=https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/rp2040-datasheet.pdf |access-date=July 22, 2023 |website=Raspberry Pi Datasheets}} The Pico 2 uses the RP2350, which can operate with either dual-core Cortex-M33 or dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V CPUs selected at boot, running at 150 MHz, with 520 kB of RAM.{{Cite web |title=RP2350 Datasheet |url=https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2350/rp2350-datasheet.pdf |access-date=7 September 2024 |publisher=Raspberry Pi Ltd}}{{Cite web |last=Pounder |first=Les |date=23 August 2024 |title=What's inside the Raspberry Pi Pico 2's RP2350? |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-pico/whats-inside-the-raspberry-pi-pico-2s-rp2350 |access-date=25 August 2024 |website=Tom's Hardware |language=en}}
== Overclocking ==
Most Raspberry Pi systems support overclocking to increase performance, which can be enabled by editing the device's configuration file. On newer models, CPU frequency is managed dynamically, the system adjusts clock speeds based on processor load—increasing frequency during heavy use and lowering it when idle—to balance performance, power consumption, and heat generation. Although this behavior can resemble overclocking, it operates within standard specifications and is part of normal power management. The system automatically reduces performance if the CPU temperature reaches {{convert|85|C|F}}, or if undervoltage is detected. Additional cooling, such as a heat sink or fan, may be required for sustained high-performance use.{{Cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Documentation – The config.txt file |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/config_txt.html |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=www.raspberrypi.com}}{{cite web |title=Introducing turbo mode: up to 50% more performance for free |date=19 September 2012 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/introducing-turbo-mode-up-to-50-more-performance-for-free/ |publisher=Raspberrypi.org |access-date=20 September 2012 |archive-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412125204/https://www.raspberrypi.org/introducing-turbo-mode-up-to-50-more-performance-for-free/ |url-status=dead}}
= RAM =
The original Raspberry Pi models featured 256 MB of random-access memory (RAM), initially split evenly between the CPU and GPU.{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/raspberry_pi/comments/oicyr/i_have_a_raspberry_pi_beta_board_ama/c3hj3n0 |title=I have a Raspberry Pi Beta Board AMA |website=reddit.com |date=15 January 2012 |access-date=6 May 2012}} A 512 MB Model B was introduced in October 2012, with support for dynamic GPU memory assignment.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/2296|title=introducing new firmware for the 512 MB Pi|date=30 October 2012|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=25 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325234920/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/2296|url-status=dead}} The Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero 2 also include 512 MB of RAM.
The Raspberry Pi 2 increased RAM to 1 GB. This continued with the Raspberry Pi 3, which includes 1 GB in the B and B+ models and 512 MB in the A+.
The Raspberry Pi 4 is available in 1, 2, 4 and 8 GB variants. The Raspberry Pi 5 is available with 2, 4, 8, or 16 GB of RAM, the highest capacity offered to date.
= Networking =
Most Raspberry Pi models include built-in options for connecting to the internet. The Model B and B+ include a basic Ethernet port. Starting with the Raspberry Pi 3, most models come with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. The Raspberry Pi 3B+ adds faster dual-band WiFi and limited gigabit Ethernet. The Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 offer full gigabit Ethernet with no speed limitations.{{cite web |title=Raspberry Pi 4 Specifications |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/specifications/ |access-date=2025-06-08}} The "A" models and the Pi Zero series do not have Ethernet ports, so they require a separate USB adapter for wired or wireless connections.
= Special-purpose features =
Some Raspberry Pi models, like the Zero, 1A, 3A+, and 4, can act like a USB device (via the USB On-The-Go protocol) when plugged into another computer.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1400270#p1400270|title=USB Gadget mode on new 3 A+? – Raspberry Pi Forums|website=www.raspberrypi.org}} This lets them work as gadgets such as a virtual keyboard, network adapter, or serial device.
Many newer models can also start up (or "boot") directly from a USB drive, without needing a microSD card. This feature isn’t available on older models like the original Raspberry Pi, Pi Zero, or early versions of the Pi 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/bootmodes/msd.md|title=USB mass storage device boot – Raspberry Pi Documentation|website=raspberrypi.org}}
= Peripherals =
File:Raspberry-Pi-2-Bare-FL.jpg
The Raspberry Pi works with most standard USB accessories like keyboards, mice, and flash drives. It can also connect to other hardware through its various ports and pins, depending on the software and drivers installed.{{cite web |title=Verified USB Peripherals and SDHC Cards; |url=https://elinux.org/RaspberryPiBoardVerifiedPeripherals |access-date=6 May 2012 |publisher=Elinux.org}}{{cite web |title=GPIO – Raspberry Pi Documentation |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/usage/gpio/README.md |access-date=2 June 2019 |website=raspberrypi.org}}
= Video =
Raspberry Pi devices support a wide range of video outputs and screen resolutions. Early models, such as the original Model A and B, include a full-size HDMI port for digital video and an RCA connector for analog composite output. Later models replace the RCA port with a combined 3.5 mm audio/video jack to save space. Starting with the Raspberry Pi 4, devices switch to dual micro-HDMI ports, allowing two displays to be used simultaneously. The Pi 4 can output dual 4K displays at 30 Hz or a single 4K display at 60 Hz. The Raspberry Pi 5 improves on this by supporting dual 4K displays at 60 Hz.{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi 4 Specifications|url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/specifications/|access-date=2025-06-08}}{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi 5 Specifications|url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/specifications/|access-date=2025-06-08}}
Earlier Raspberry Pi models can output common resolutions such as 720p and 1080p by default, with some capable of even higher resolutions. Under certain conditions, resolutions up to 2048×1152 or 3840×2160 (4K) are possible, though performance at these settings may vary.{{cite web|url=https://elinux.org/RPi_config.txt |title=Raspberry Pi, supported video resolutions |publisher=eLinux.org |date=30 November 2012 |access-date=11 December 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://www.riscosopen.org/forum/forums/5/topics/2144 |title=Pi Screen limited to 1920 by RISC OS:- |work=RISC OS Open |access-date=6 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.riscosopen.org/forum/forums/5/topics/2653|title=RISC OS Open: Forum: Latest Pi firmware?|website=riscosopen.org}}{{cite web |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=79330 |title=Raspberry Pi and 4k @ 15 Hz |access-date=6 January 2016}}
Composite video output remains available on many models through the 3.5 mm jack or board-level connectors, although it is disabled by default on newer models and must be enabled in software. Supported analog video standards include PAL, NTSC, and regional variants.{{cite web |last=Ozolins |first=Jason |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/forum/general-discussion/pictures-of-screen-displaying-example-of-rpi-composite-output?value=480i&type=1&include=2&search=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113113342/https://www.raspberrypi.org/forum/general-discussion/pictures-of-screen-displaying-example-of-rpi-composite-output?value=480i&type=1&include=2&search=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 January 2013 |title=examples of Raspberry Pi composite output |publisher=Raspberrypi.org |access-date=22 June 2012}}
= Real-time clock =
Most Raspberry Pi models do not include a built-in real-time clock, which means they rely on an internet connection to set the correct time with the Network Time Protocol when they start up. If there's no connection, the time must be set manually or the system assumes no time has passed since it was last used. Add-on clock modules are available for situations where accurate timekeeping is needed without internet access.{{cite web |last=Shovic |first=John |date=July 2014 |title=Keeping Time |url=https://www.raspberry-pi-geek.com/Archive/2014/07/Connecting-your-Raspberry-Pi-with-a-real-time-clock |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Raspberry Pi Geek Magazine}}{{cite web |last=Shovic |first=John |date=August 2014 |title=In Time |url=https://www.raspberry-pi-geek.com/Archive/2014/08/Comparison-of-four-real-time-clocks |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Raspberry Pi Geek Magazine}} The Raspberry Pi 5 is the first model to include a built-in clock, but it still needs a battery backup to keep time when powered off.{{cite web |last=Shovic |first=John |date=July 2014 |title=Keeping Time |url=https://www.raspberry-pi-geek.com/Archive/2014/07/Connecting-your-Raspberry-Pi-with-a-real-time-clock |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Raspberry Pi Geek Magazine}}
= GPIO header =
Most Raspberry Pi models include a 40-pin connector known as the GPIO (general-purpose input/output) header, although only some of the pins are dedicated to GPIO functions. The header, designated as J8, uses a consistent pinout across models.
The header supplies 3.3 V and 5 V power along with various multiplexed, low-speed interfaces, including UART, SPI, I²C, I²S, and PCM. GPIO pins can be configured as either inputs or outputs. When set as an output, a pin can drive a high (3.3 V) or low (0 V) signal. When configured as an input, it can read a high (3.3 V) or low (0 V) voltage level.{{Cite web |title=Raspberry Pi hardware – Raspberry Pi Documentation |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/raspberry-pi.html |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=www.raspberrypi.com |language=en}}
The original Raspberry Pi 1 Model A and B include only the first 26 pins of this header.{{cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Rev 1.0 Model AB schematics |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/schematics/Raspberry-Pi-Rev-1.0-Model-AB-Schematics.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825202435/https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/schematics/Raspberry-Pi-Rev-1.0-Model-AB-Schematics.pdf |archive-date=25 August 2014}}{{cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Rev 2.0 Model AB schematics |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/schematics/Raspberry-Pi-Rev-2.0-Model-AB-Schematics.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825202711/https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/schematics/Raspberry-Pi-Rev-2.0-Model-AB-Schematics.pdf |archive-date=25 August 2014}}{{cite web |title=Raspberry Pi Rev 2.1 Model AB schematics |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/schematics/Raspberry-Pi-Rev-2.1-Model-AB-Schematics.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825202811/https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/schematics/Raspberry-Pi-Rev-2.1-Model-AB-Schematics.pdf |archive-date=25 August 2014}} On some Pi Zero models, the header is unpopulated, but solderable through-holes are provided. The Pico models feature a unique layout with unpopulated through-holes and a castellated edge, allowing it to be surface-mounted as a module. Compute Module boards do not include GPIO headers but instead expose GPIO signals through their board connectors.
{{sticky-header}}
class="wikitable sticky-header"
! Function ! colspan=3 | Pin # ! Function |
+3.3 V power
| style="background:orange" | 1 | rowspan="20" | | style="background:red" | 2 | +5 V power |
GPIO 2 (I²C SDA)
| style="background:cyan" | 3 | style="background:red" | 4 | +5 V power |
GPIO 3 (I2C SCL)
| style="background:cyan" | 5 | style="background:black; color:white" | 6 | Ground |
GPIO 4 (GPCLK)
| style="background:green" | 7 | style="background:purple; color:white" | 8 | GPIO 14 (UART TXD) |
Ground
| style="background:black; color:white" | 9 | style="background:purple; color:white" | 10 | GPIO 15 (UART RXD) |
GPIO 17
| style="background:green" | 11 | style="background:green" | 12 | GPIO 18 |
GPIO 27
| style="background:green" | 13 | style="background:black; color:white" | 14 | Ground |
GPIO 22
| style="background:green" | 15 | style="background:green" | 16 | GPIO 23 |
+3.3 V power
| style="background:orange" | 17 | style="background:green" | 18 | GPIO 24 |
GPIO 10 (SPI MOSI)
| style="background:#f0f;" | 19 | style="background:black; color:white" | 20 | Ground |
GPIO 9 (SPI MISO)
| style="background:#f0f;" | 21 | style="background:green" | 22 | GPIO 25 |
GPIO 11 (SPI SCLK)
| style="background:#f0f;" | 23 | style="background:#f0f;" | 24 | GPIO 8 (SPI CE0) |
Ground
| style="background:black; color:white" | 25 | style="background:#f0f;" | 26 | GPIO 7 (SPI CE1) |
GPIO 0 (EEPROM SDA)
| style="background:yellow" | 27 | style="background:yellow" | 28 | GPIO 1 (EEPROM SDC) |
GPIO 5
| style="background:green" | 29 | style="background:black; color:white" | 30 | Ground |
GPIO 6
| style="background:green" | 31 | style="background:green" | 32 | GPIO 12 |
GPIO 13
| style="background:green" | 33 | style="background:black; color:white" | 34 | Ground |
GPIO 19
| style="background:green" | 35 | style="background:green" | 36 | GPIO 16 |
GPIO 26
| style="background:green" | 37 | style="background:#00FF80" | 38 | GPIO 20 (PCM_DIN) |
Ground
| style="background:black; color:white" | 39 | style="background:#00FF80" | 40 | GPIO 21 (PCM_DOUT) |
colspan=5 | {{Center|Legend}}{{Div col|colwidth=5em|content={{Legend|#f0f|SPI}}
{{Legend|green|GPIO}} {{Legend|cyan|I²C}} {{Legend|purple|UART}} {{Legend|#00FF80|PCM}} {{Legend|black|Ground}} {{Legend|red|+5 V}} {{Legend|orange|+3.3 V}}}} |
= Board layouts =
File:Drawing of Raspberry Pi model B rev2.svg|Pi 1B v1.2
File:Raspberry Pi 1A.svg|Pi 1A
File:Drawing of Raspberry Pi model A+ rev1.1 (cropped).svg|Pi 1A+ v1.1
File:Raspberry Pi B+ rev 1.2.svg|Pi 1B+ v1.2 and Pi 2
File:RaspberryPi 3B.svg|Pi 3
File:RaspberryPi 3B%2B.svg|Pi 3+
File:RaspberryPi Model 4B.svg|Pi 4
File:RaspberryPi 5B 28-08-2024.svg|Pi 5
Specifications
{{sticky header}}
{{sticky header}}
class="wikitable sticky-header" style="font-size:85%; text-align: center;"
! Gen ! Year ! SoC ! Speed ! Cores ! 64{{nbhyph}}bit ! RAM ! Video ! USB ! Ethernet ! Wi-Fi ! Bluetooth ! Power connector ! MSRP |
1
| 2012 | rowspan="2" | BCM2835 | rowspan="2" | 0.7 | rowspan="2" | 1 | {{na}} | 0.25 or 0.5 | rowspan="2" | HDMI1.3 | 2 × 2.0 | rowspan="5" | 100 | rowspan="4" {{n/a}} | rowspan="4" {{n/a}} | rowspan="6" | Micro USB | $35 |
1+
| 2014 | {{na}} | 0.5 | rowspan="5" | 4 × 2.0 | $25 |
2
| 2015 | BCM2836 | rowspan="2" | 0.9 | rowspan="6" | 4 | {{na}} | rowspan="4" | 1 | rowspan="4" | HDMI1.3 | $35 |
2 v1.2 | 2016 | rowspan="3" | BCM2837 | {{ya}} | $35 |
3
| 2016 | 1.2 | {{ya}} | 2.4 GHz b/g/n | 4.1 BLE | $35 |
3+
| 2018 | 1.4 | {{ya}} | 350 | rowspan="3" | 2.4/5 GHz b/g/n/ac | 4.2 LS BLE | $35 |
4
| 2019 | BCM2711 | 1.5/1.8 | {{ya}} | 1, 2, 4 or 8 | rowspan="2" | 2 × Micro HDMI2.0 (4K) | rowspan="2" | 2 × 2.0 | rowspan="2" | 1000 | rowspan="2" | 5.0 | rowspan="2" | USB-C |$35–$75 |
5
| 2023 | BCM2712 | 2.4 | {{ya}} | 2, 4, 8 or 16 | $50–$120 |
Software
= Operating systems =
File:Raspberry-Pi-2-Bare-Bottom.jpg
The recommended operating is Raspberry Pi OS, a Debian-based Linux distribution optimized for performance and energy efficiency on Raspberry Pi hardware. It is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and comes in several editions: a full version with preinstalled software, a "Lite" edition without a desktop environment, and a minimal version with fewer applications. Raspberry Pi OS can be purchased pre-installed on microSD cards or downloaded and installed using the Raspberry Pi Imager.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/|title=Raspberry Pi Downloads – Software for the Raspberry Pi|access-date=12 August 2016}}
Raspberry Pi Imager can also be used to install, and in some cases download, third-party operating systems.
;Other operating systems (not Linux or BSD-based)
- Broadcom VCOS – Proprietary operating system which includes an abstraction layer designed to integrate with existing kernels, such as ThreadX (which is used on the VideoCore4 processor), providing drivers and middleware for application development. In the case of the Raspberry Pi, this includes an application to start the ARM processor(s) and provide the publicly documented API over a mailbox interface, serving as its firmware. An incomplete source of a Linux port of VCOS is available as part of the reference graphics driver published by Broadcom.{{cite web|url=https://lwn.net/Articles/588950/|title=Broadcom releases SoC graphics driver source [LWN.net]|website=lwn.net}}
- Haiku – an open source BeOS clone that has been compiled for the Raspberry Pi and several other ARM boards. Work on Pi 1 began in 2011, but only the Pi 2 will be supported.{{cite web|url=https://www.haiku-os.org/guides/building/port_status/|title=Haiku port status|website=Haiku Project|access-date=27 June 2019}}
- HelenOS – a portable microkernel-based multiserver operating system; has basic Raspberry Pi support since version 0.6.0{{cite web|url=https://www.helenos.org/wiki/ReleaseNotes/0.6.0|title=ReleaseNotes/0.6.0 – HelenOS|website=helenos.org|access-date=12 February 2022|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127211347/http://www.helenos.org/wiki/ReleaseNotes/0.6.0|url-status=dead}}
- Plan 9 from Bell Labs{{cite web |title=9pi |url=https://9fans.net/archive/2012/08/129 |publisher=9fans.net mail archive |first=Richard |last=Miller |date=18 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012180528/https://9fans.net/archive/2012/08/129 |archive-date=12 October 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/wednesday-grab-bag-3/ |title=Wednesday grab bag |at=See the "Plan 9" section |author=Liz |newspaper=Raspberry Pi |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation |date=5 December 2012}} and Inferno{{cite web|url=https://lynxline.com/inferno-raspberry-pi-image-beta1/|title=Inferno Raspberry Pi image – beta release (beta1)|website=lynxline.com|access-date=12 February 2022|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224202321/http://lynxline.com/inferno-raspberry-pi-image-beta1/|url-status=dead}} (in beta)
- QNX
- RISC OS Pi (a cut-down version of RISC OS Pico, for 16 MB cards and larger for all models of Pi 1 & 2, has also been made available)
- Ultibo Core – OS-less unikernel Run Time Library based on Free Pascal. Lazarus IDE (Windows with 3rd party ports to Linux and MacOS). Most Pi models supported.{{cite web |title=Ultibo Core |url=https://ultibo.org/ |website=Ultibo.org}}
- Windows 10 IoT Core – a zero-price edition of Windows 10 offered by Microsoft that runs natively on the Raspberry Pi 2.{{cite news|last=Sauter|first=Marc|title=Internet der Dinger: Windows 10 läuft kostenlos auf dem Raspberry Pi 2|url=https://www.golem.de/news/internet-der-dinge-windows-10-laeuft-kostenlos-auf-dem-raspberry-pi-2-1502-112100.html |trans-title=Internet of Things: Windows 10 runs free on the Raspberry Pi 2 |language=de |access-date=8 February 2015|date=2 February 2015}}
;Other operating systems (Linux-based)
- Alpine Linux – a Linux distribution based on musl and BusyBox, "designed for power users who appreciate security, simplicity and resource efficiency".{{cite web|title=Alpine Linux about |url=https://alpinelinux.org/about/ |website=Alpinelinux.org |access-date=21 July 2021}}
- Android is available for non-commercial use from KonstaKANG{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Raspberry |url=https://konstakang.com/devices/rpi4/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=konstakang.com |language=en}}
- Arch Linux ARM – a port of Arch Linux for ARM processors; the Arch-based Manjaro is also available for ARM
- arkOS – designed for website and email self-hosting
- CentOS for Raspberry Pi 2 and later
- Devuan
- emteria.OS – an embedded, managed version of the Android operating system for professional fleet management
- Fedora (supports Pi 2 and later since Fedora 25, Pi 1 is supported by some unofficial derivatives) and RedSleeve (a RHEL port) for Raspberry Pi 1
- Gentoo Linux{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi – Gentoo Wiki|url=https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi|access-date=20 March 2016}}
- Kali Linux – a Debian-derived distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing
- MX Linux – based on Debian Stable and including antiX components, this OS is available in Xfce, from which KDE and Fluxbox versions can be produced
- openSUSE,{{cite web|url=https://en.opensuse.org/HCL:Raspberry_Pi|title=HCL:Raspberry Pi – openSUSE Wiki|website=en.opensuse.org}} SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP2 and Server 12 SP3 (commercial support)
- OpenWrt – a highly extensible Linux distribution for embedded devices (typically wireless routers). It supports Pi 1, 2, 3, 4 and Zero W.{{cite web|title=OpenWrt Project: Raspberry Pi Foundation |website=openwrt.org |date=16 December 2016 |url=https://openwrt.org/toh/hwdata/raspberry_pi_foundation/start |access-date=23 April 2020}}
- Pop!_PI for Raspberry Pi 4 is a distribution of Pop! OS 22.04{{cite web|title=Pop!_OS by System76|url=https://pop.system76.com/|access-date=2024-04-15}}
- postmarketOS – distribution based on Alpine Linux, primarily developed for smartphones
- RetroPie – an offshoot of Raspberry Pi OS that uses Emulation Station as its frontend for RetroArch and other emulators like Mupen64 for retro gaming.{{cite web|title=RetroPie |website=RetroPie |url=https://retropie.org.uk/|access-date=2020-08-25}}
- NixOS – a Linux distribution based on the purely functional package management system Nix. NixOS is composed using modules and packages defined in the Nixpkgs project.{{cite web|url=https://nix.dev/tutorials/nixos/installing-nixos-on-a-raspberry-pi|title=Installing NixOS on a Raspberry Pi|access-date=2023-12-07}}
- Rocky Linux{{cite web|title=Alternative Images – Rocky Linux|url=https://rockylinux.org/alternative-images|access-date=1 October 2023}}
- Sailfish OS{{cite web|title=Sailfish on a Raspberry Pi |url=https://together.jolla.com/question/56308/sailfish-on-a-raspberry-pi/|website=together.jolla.com |publisher=Jolla|access-date=26 February 2015}}
- Slackware ARM – version 13.37 and later runs on the Raspberry Pi without modification.{{cite web |title=SlackwareARM for the Raspberry Pi|url=https://stanleygarvey.com/Slackberry/index.php|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210050516/https://stanleygarvey.com/Slackberry/index.php |archive-date=10 February 2013}}{{cite web |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6103 |publisher=raspberrypi.org |title=ArmedSlack working :) |date=18 May 2012}}{{cite web |website=alt.os.linux.slackware |url=https://groups.google.com/group/alt.os.linux.slackware/browse_thread/thread/85f8c15cdab99e2f |title=ARMed Slack running on Raspberry Pi |access-date=16 September 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=6132&hilit=armedslack|title=raspberrypi.org – ArmedSlack 13.37|access-date=16 September 2014}} The 128–496 MB of available memory on the Raspberry Pi is at least twice the minimum requirement of 64 MB needed to run Slackware Linux on an ARM or i386 system.{{cite web|url=https://www.slackware.com/install/sysreq.php |title=The Slackware Linux Project: Installation Help |publisher=Slackware.com |access-date=22 June 2012}} (Whereas the majority of Linux systems boot into a graphical user interface, Slackware's default user environment is the textual shell / command line interface.{{cite web|title=Slackware Linux Essentials: The Shell |url=https://slackbook.org/html/book.html#SHELL|access-date=16 September 2014}}) The Fluxbox window manager running under the X Window System requires an additional 48 MB of RAM.{{cite web|author=v1.0.2 (en), xiando |url=https://linuxreviews.org/software/desktops/#toc4 |title=Desktops: KDE vs Gnome |publisher=Linux Reviews |access-date=22 June 2012}}
- SolydXK – a light Debian-derived distro with Xfce
- Tiny Core Linux – a minimal Linux operating system focused on providing a base system using BusyBox and FLTK. Designed to run primarily in RAM.
- Tizen – a Linux-based mobile operating system that was backed by the Linux Foundation and was mainly developed and primarily used by Samsung
- Trisquel, a fully free GNU/Linux distribution{{Cite web|url=https://trisquel.info|title=Trisquel GNU/Linux – Run free!|website=trisquel.info}}
- Linux Q83
- Ubuntu and systems based on it: Lubuntu and Xubuntu
- Void Linux – a rolling release Linux distribution which was designed and implemented from scratch, provides images based on musl or glibc
- webOS Open Source Edition – an open source version of webOS
;Other operating systems (BSD-based)
- FreeBSD{{Cite web |title=arm/Raspberry Pi – FreeBSD Wiki |website=Wiki.freebsd.org |url=https://wiki.freebsd.org/arm/Raspberry%20Pi |access-date=16 July 2024 |archive-date=4 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704031325/https://wiki.freebsd.org/arm/Raspberry%20Pi |url-status=live}}
- NetBSD{{cite web|url=https://wiki.netbsd.org/ports/evbarm/raspberry_pi/ |title=NetBSD/evbarm on Raspberry Pi|website=wiki.netbsd.org}}
- OpenBSD (only on 64-bit platforms){{cite web|url=https://www.openbsd.org/arm64.html|title=OpenBSD/arm64|website=openbsd.org}}
Driver APIs
{{See also|VideoCore#Linux support}}
File:Raspberrypi video API 03.svg: OpenMAX IL, OpenGL ES and OpenVG ]]
Raspberry Pi can use a VideoCore IV GPU via a binary blob, which is loaded into the GPU at boot time from the SD-card, and additional software, that initially was closed source.{{cite news |url=https://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Raspberry-Pi-warms-up-1341629.html |title=Raspberry Pi warms up |work=The H |date=13 September 2011 |access-date=12 March 2012 |author=djwm |archive-date=25 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125071912/http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Raspberry-Pi-warms-up-1341629.html |url-status=dead}} This part of the driver code was later released. However, much of the actual driver work is done using the closed source GPU code. Application software makes calls to closed source run-time libraries (OpenMAX IL, OpenGL ES or OpenVG), which in turn call an open source driver inside the Linux kernel, which then calls the closed source VideoCore IV GPU driver code. The API of the kernel driver is specific for these closed libraries. Video applications use OpenMAX IL, {{nowrap|3D applications}} use OpenGL ES and {{nowrap|2D applications}} use OpenVG, which both in turn use EGL. OpenMAX IL and EGL use the open source kernel driver in turn.{{cite web |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/592 |publisher=raspberrypi.org |title=Libraries, codecs, OSS |date=31 January 2012 |access-date=12 February 2022 |archive-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030114016/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/592 |url-status=dead}}
= Vulkan driver =
Raspberry Pi first announced it was working on a Vulkan driver in February 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-vulkan-graphics-driver-release|title=Raspberry Pi to Get Vulkan Graphics Driver (Eventually)|first=Nathaniel Mott 03|last=February 2020|website=Tom's Hardware|date=3 February 2020}} A working Vulkan driver running Quake 3 at 100 frames per second on a 3B+ was revealed by a graphics engineer who had been working on it as a hobby project on 20 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-engineer-vulkan-driver-raspberry-pi-quake-iii-100-fps|title=Nvidia Engineer's Vulkan Driver For Raspberry Pi Runs Quake III Over 100 FPS at 720p|first=Zhiye Liu 20|last=June 2020|website=Tom's Hardware|date=20 June 2020}} On 24 November 2020 Raspberry Pi announced that their driver for the Raspberry Pi 4 is Vulkan 1.0 conformant.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/vulkan-update-were-conformant/|title=Vulkan update: we're conformant!|date=November 24, 2020|website=Raspberry Pi Foundation}} Raspberry Pi Trading announced further driver conformance for Vulkan 1.1 and 1.2 on 26 October 2021{{cite web |date=2021-10-26 |title=Vulkan update: version 1.1 conformance for Raspberry Pi 4 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/vulkan-update-version-1-1-conformance-for-raspberry-pi-4/ |access-date=2021-11-15 |website=Raspberry Pi |language=en-GB}} and 1 August 2022.{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Eben |date=2022-08-01 |title=Vulkan update: version 1.2 conformance for Raspberry Pi 4 |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/vulkan-update-version-1-2-conformance-for-raspberry-pi-4/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Raspberry Pi |language=en-GB}}
= Firmware =
The official firmware is a freely redistributable{{cite web|url=https://github.com/Hexxeh/rpi-firmware/blob/master/LICENCE.broadcom|title=Hexxeh/rpi-firmware|website=Github.com|date=28 October 2021}} binary blob, that is proprietary software. A minimal proof-of-concept open source firmware is also available, mainly aimed at initialising and starting the ARM cores as well as performing minimal startup that is required on the ARM side. It is also capable of booting a very minimal Linux kernel, with patches to remove the dependency on the mailbox interface being responsive. It is known to work on Raspberry Pi 1, 2 and 3, as well as some variants of Raspberry Pi Zero.{{cite web|url=https://github.com/christinaa/rpi-open-firmware |title=christinaa/rpi-open-firmware |website=Github.com |date=3 November 2021}}
= Third-party application software =
- AstroPrint – AstroPrint's wireless 3D printing software can be run on the Pi 2.{{cite web|last1=Brothers|first1=Ruiz|title=WiFi 3D Printing|url=https://learn.adafruit.com/astroprint-3d-printing/overview|website=Learn.adafruit.com|access-date=22 September 2015}}
- C/C++ Interpreter Ch – Released 3 January 2017, C/C++ interpreter Ch and Embedded Ch are released free for non-commercial use for Raspberry Pi, ChIDE is also included for the beginners to learn C/C++.{{Cite web|url=https://www.softintegration.com/company/press/ch_arm_raspberry_pi_released.html/|title=C/C++ Interpreter Ch 7.5 released for Raspberry Pi, and Pi Zero|website=Softintegration.com|access-date=2 March 2022|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421104951/http://www.softintegration.com/company/press/ch_arm_raspberry_pi_released.html|url-status=dead}}
- Minecraft (Pi edition) – Released 11 February 2013 and support ended on 24 January 2016, a modified version that allows players to directly alter the world with computer code.{{cite web|url=https://pi.minecraft.net/|title=Minecraft: Pi Edition – Minecraft: Pi Edition updates and downloads|access-date=16 September 2014}}
- RealVNC – Since 28 September 2016, Raspbian includes RealVNC's remote access server and viewer software.{{Cite news|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/introducing-pixel/|title=Introducing PIXEL – Raspberry Pi|date=28 September 2016|newspaper=Raspberry Pi|access-date=2 February 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.realvnc.com/news/realvnc-and-raspberry-pi-announce-new-partnership/|title=RealVNC and Raspberry Pi announce new partnership|access-date=2 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.realvnc.com/raspberrypi/|title=Raspberry Pi {{!}} RealVNC|website=www.realvnc.com|access-date=2 February 2017}} This includes a new capture technology which allows directly rendered content (e.g. Minecraft, camera preview and omxplayer) as well as non-X11 applications to be viewed and controlled remotely.{{Cite news|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/minecraft-pi-and-more-over-vnc/|title=Minecraft Pi (and more) over VNC – Raspberry Pi|date=9 May 2016|newspaper=Raspberry Pi|access-date=2 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.realvnc.com/docs/raspberry-pi.html#raspberry-pi-minecraft|title=Docs {{!}} Using VNC 5.x on the Raspberry Pi {{!}} RealVNC|website=www.realvnc.com|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=3 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203080122/https://www.realvnc.com/docs/raspberry-pi.html#raspberry-pi-minecraft|url-status=dead}}
- Steam Link – On 13 December 2018, Valve released official Steam Link game streaming client for the Raspberry Pi 3 and 3 B+.{{cite web|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/353380/discussions/6/2806204039992195182/|title=Steam Link now available on Raspberry Pi :: Steam Link Raspberry Pi|website=steamcommunity.com|access-date=15 December 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Raspberry-Pi-Steam-Link|title=Valve's Steam Link For Raspberry Pi Now Available – Phoronix|website=phoronix.com|access-date=15 December 2018}}
- UserGate Web Filter – On 20 September 2013, Florida-based security vendor Entensys announced porting UserGate Web Filter to Raspberry Pi platform.{{cite news|url=https://www.techworld.com.au/article/527046/entensys_builds_mini_web_filtering_appliance_raspberry_pi|title=Entensys builds mini Web filtering appliance with Raspberry Pi|last=Pearce|first=Rohan|date=20 September 2013|work=Techworld Australia}}
= Software development tools =
- Algoid – for teaching programming to children and beginners.
- Arduino IDE – for programming an Arduino.
- BlueJ – for teaching Java to beginners.
- C-STEM Studio – a platform for hands-on integrated learning of computing, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (C-STEM) with robotics.
- CircuitPython – an educational fork of MicroPython for microcontrollers and single-board computers
- Erlang – a functional language for building concurrent systems with light-weight processes and message passing.
- Greenfoot – Greenfoot teaches object orientation with Java. Create 'actors' which live in 'worlds' to build games, simulations, and other graphical programs.
- Julia – an interactive and cross-platform programming language/environment, that runs on the Pi 1 and later.{{cite web |url=https://julialang.org/downloads/ |title=Julia Downloads |access-date=21 January 2016}} IDEs for Julia, such as Visual Studio Code, are available. See also Pi-specific GitHub repository JuliaBerry.
- LabVIEW Community Edition – a system-design platform and development environment for a visual programming language from National Instruments.
- Mathematica – a powerful multi-paradigm mathematical programming environment and kernel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wolfram.com/raspberry-pi/|title=Wolfram + Raspberry Pi Project: A Wolfram Engine on Every Raspberry Pi|accessdate=31 July 2024}}
- Lazarus{{cite web|url=https://wiki.freepascal.org/Raspberry_Pi |title=Raspberry Pi|date=21 January 2016}} – a Free Pascal RAD IDE
- LiveCode – an educational RAD IDE descended from HyperCard using English-like language to write event-handlers for WYSIWYG widgets runnable on desktop, mobile and Raspberry Pi platforms.
- Ninja-IDE – a cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE) for Python.
- Processing – an IDE built for the electronic arts, new media art, and visual design communities with the purpose of teaching the fundamentals of computer programming in a visual context.
- Scratch – a cross-platform teaching IDE using visual blocks that stack like Lego blocks, originally developed by MIT's Life Long Kindergarten group. The Pi version is heavily optimized{{cite web |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/a-new-version-of-scratch-for-raspberry-pi-now-with-added-gpio/ |title=A NEW VERSION OF SCRATCH FOR RASPBERRY PI: NOW WITH ADDED GPIO |date=7 October 2015 |access-date=5 August 2016}} for the limited computer resources available and is implemented in the Squeak Smalltalk system.
- Squeak Smalltalk – a full-scale open Smalltalk.
- TensorFlow – an artificial intelligence framework developed by Google. Raspberry Pi worked with Google to simplify the installation process through pre-built binaries.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-ai-on-raspberry-pi-now-you-get-official-tensorflow-support/|title=Google AI on Raspberry Pi: Now you get official TensorFlow support |last=Tung|first=Liam|publisher=ZDNet|access-date=6 August 2018}}
- Thonny – a Python IDE for beginners.
- V-Play Game Engine – a cross-platform development framework that supports mobile game and app development with the V-Play Game Engine, V-Play apps, and V-Play plugins.
- Xojo – a cross-platform RAD tool that can create desktop, web and console apps for Pi 2 and Pi 3.
Accessories
File:Raspberry Pi Camera Module - Hand-Held (14672275231).jpg
File:1638 - Raspberry Pi Camera V2.jpg
File:Raspberry Pi 4B DVB TV μHat (angle).jpg
- Gertboard – A Raspberry Pi-sanctioned device, designed for educational purposes, that expands the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins to allow interface with and control of LEDs, switches, analogue signals, sensors and other devices. It may include an optional Arduino-compatible controller to interface with the Pi.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1734|title=Gertboard is here!|date=8 August 2012|publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-date=10 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810222718/http://www.raspberrypi.org/archives/1734|url-status=dead}}
- Camera – In May 2013, Raspberry Pi and their distributors RS Components and Premier Farnell/Element 14 launched the Raspberry Pi Camera alongside a firmware update to accommodate it.{{cite web |title=Elinux Wiki: Description of Raspberry Pi Camera Board |url=https://elinux.org/Rpi_Camera_Module |access-date=3 September 2013}} The camera has a flexible flat cable that plugs into the CSI connector, between the Ethernet and HDMI ports. In Raspbian, the user must enable the use of the camera board by running Raspi-config and selecting the camera option. The camera module costs €20 in Europe (9 September 2013). It uses the OmniVision OV5647 image sensor and can produce 1080p, 720p and 640x480p video. The dimensions are {{nowrap|25 mm × 20 mm × 9 mm}}. In May 2016, v2 of the camera was launched: it is an 8-megapixel camera using a Sony IMX219.{{cite web|title=Camera Documenation|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/camera/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=raspberrypi.org|language=en}} In January 2023, v3 of the camera was launched: it is a 12-megapixel camera using a Sony IMX708.{{Cite web |last=Upton |first=Eben |date=2023-01-09 |title=New autofocus camera modules! |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/new-autofocus-camera-modules/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=Raspberry Pi |language=en-GB}}
- Infrared camera – In October 2013, Raspberry Pi announced that they would begin producing a camera module without an infrared filter, called the Pi NoIR.{{cite web|title=Pi NoIR|publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/tag/pi-noir/|access-date=16 August 2014}}
- Official display – In September 2015, Raspberry Pi and their distributors RS Components and Premier Farnell/Element 14 launched the Raspberry Pi Touch Display{{cite web|title=The Eagarly awaited Raspberry Pi Display |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/the-eagerly-awaited-raspberry-pi-display/|date=8 September 2015|publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation|access-date=18 November 2017}}
- HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) expansion boards{{snd}}Together with the Model B+, inspired by Arduino shield boards, the interface for HAT boards was devised by Raspberry Pi. Each HAT board carries a small EEPROM (typically a CAT24C32WI-GT3){{cite web|url=https://github.com/raspberrypi/hats/blob/master/eeprom-circuit.png|title=hats/eeprom-circuit.png at master · raspberrypi/hats|website=GitHub|access-date=16 September 2014}} containing the relevant details of the board,{{cite web|url=https://github.com/raspberrypi/hats/blob/master/eeprom-format.md|title=hats/eeprom-format.md at master · raspberrypi/hats|website=GitHub|access-date=16 September 2014}} so that the Raspberry Pi's OS is informed of the HAT, and the technical details of it.{{cite web|url=https://github.com/raspberrypi/hats |title=raspberrypi/hats|website=GitHub|access-date=16 September 2014}} Mechanical details of a HAT board, which uses the four mounting holes in their rectangular formation, are available online.{{cite web|url=https://github.com/raspberrypi/hats/blob/master/hat-board-mechanical.pdf|title=hats/hat-board-mechanical.pdf at master · raspberrypi/hats|author=raspberrypi|website=GitHub|date=November 2021}}
- High quality camera – In May 2020, the 12.3-megapixel Sony IMX477 Exmor sensor camera module was released with support for C- and CS-mount lenses.{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-high-quality-camera/|date=April 30, 2020|website=Raspberrypi.org|access-date=2020-05-01}} The unit initially retailed for US$50, with interchangeable lenses starting at US$25.
Reception and use
File:NASAJPLOpenSourceRover.webp
Technology writer Glyn Moody described the project in May 2011 as a "potential {{nowrap|BBC Micro 2.0}}", not by replacing {{nowrap|PC compatible}} machines but by supplementing them.{{cite web |url=https://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2011/05/as-british-as-raspberry-pi |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102155751/https://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2011/05/as-british-as-raspberry-pi |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2013 |title=As British as Raspberry Pi? |work=Computerworld UK Open Enterprise blog |date=9 May 2011 |access-date=2 February 2012 |first=Moody |last=Glyn |author-link=Glyn Moody}} In March 2012 Stephen Pritchard echoed the BBC Micro successor sentiment in ITPRO.{{cite news |url=https://www.itpro.co.uk/639292/raspberry-pi-a-bbc-micro-for-todays-generation |title=Raspberry Pi: A BBC Micro for today's generation |work=ITPRO |date=1 March 2012 |access-date=15 March 2012 |author=Pritchard, Stephen}} Alex Hope, co-author of the Next Gen report, is hopeful that the computer will engage children with the excitement of programming.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8931387/Computing-classes-dont-teach-programming-skills.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/8931387/Computing-classes-dont-teach-programming-skills.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Computing classes don't teach programming skills |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 December 2011 |access-date=27 February 2012 |author=Stanford, Peter |location=London}}{{cbignore}} Co-author Ian Livingstone suggested that the BBC could be involved in building support for the device, possibly branding it as the BBC Nano.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16424990 |title=Raspberry Pi bids for success with classroom coders |work=BBC News|date=10 January 2012 |access-date=29 February 2012 |author=Vallance, Chris}} The Centre for Computing History strongly supports the Raspberry Pi project, feeling that it could "usher in a new era".{{cite web |date=9 January 2012 |title=One of the First Raspberry Pi Computers Donated to Museum |url=https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/news/16944/ |access-date=28 February 2012 |publisher=The Centre for Computing History}} Before release, the board was showcased by ARM's CEO Warren East at an event in Cambridge outlining Google's ideas to improve UK science and technology education.{{cite news |url=https://www.cabume.co.uk/the-cluster/how-google-can-really-help-improve-stem-teaching-in-the-uk.html |title=How Google can really help improve STEM teaching in the UK |work=Cabume |date=23 February 2012 |access-date=28 February 2012 |author=Osborn, George |archive-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302104327/http://www.cabume.co.uk/the-cluster/how-google-can-really-help-improve-stem-teaching-in-the-uk.html |url-status=dead}}
Harry Fairhead, however, suggests that more emphasis should be put on improving the educational software available on existing hardware, using tools such as Google App Inventor to return programming to schools, rather than adding new hardware choices.{{cite news |url=https://www.i-programmer.info/professional-programmer/i-programmer/3419-raspberry-pi-or-programming.html |title=Raspberry Pi or Programming – What shall we teach the children? |work=I Programmer |date=2 December 2011 |access-date=7 February 2012 |author=Fairhead, Harry}} Simon Rockman, writing in a ZDNet blog, was of the opinion that teens will have "better things to do", despite what happened in the 1980s.{{cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-raspberry-pi-a-mid-life-crisis/ |title=Is Raspberry Pi a mid-life crisis? |publisher=ZDNet |date=21 February 2012 |access-date=24 February 2012 |author=Rockman, Simon |quote=Just because young teens led the way in computing in the 1980s doesn't mean it should, will or can happen again. Those outside the tech age bubble have better things to do.}}
In October 2012, the Raspberry Pi won T3's Innovation of the Year award,{{cite web|title=Raspberry Pi – Innovation of the Year|url=https://awards.t3.com/categories/innovation-of-the-year/raspberry-pi|publisher=T3 Gadget Awards |access-date=9 October 2012}} and futurist Mark Pesce cited a (borrowed) Raspberry Pi as the inspiration for his ambient device project MooresCloud.{{cite web |title=Showtime |date=5 October 2012 |url=https://blog.moorescloud.com/2012/10/05/showtime/ |website=Crowdfunding the Light |access-date=17 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509051353/https://blog.moorescloud.com/2012/10/05/showtime/ |archive-date=9 May 2013 |url-status=dead}} In October 2012, the British Computer Society responded to the announcement of enhanced specifications by stating, "it's definitely something we'll want to sink our teeth into."{{cite web|title=Latest Raspberry Pi has double the RAM|url=https://www.bcs.org/content/conWebDoc/48492|work=BCS website|publisher=BCS|date=16 October 2012|access-date=18 October 2012|archive-date=14 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414004501/http://www.bcs.org/content/conWebDoc/48492|url-status=dead}}
In June 2017, Raspberry Pi won the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award.[https://ingenia.org.uk/Ingenia/Articles/1107/ "Chips that changed the classroom"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813143640/http://ingenia.org.uk/Ingenia/Articles/1107/ |date=13 August 2018}} Ingenia, September 2017 The citation for the award to the Raspberry Pi said it was "for its inexpensive credit card-sized microcomputers, which are redefining how people engage with computing, inspiring students to learn coding and computer science and providing innovative control solutions for industry."{{Cite web|url=https://www.raeng.org.uk/news/news-releases/2017/june/the-coding-revolution-marches-on-raspberry-pi-wins/|title=The coding revolution marches on: Raspberry Pi wins UK's top engineering innovation prize|publisher=Royal Academy of Engineering|access-date=2 March 2022|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310202955/https://www.raeng.org.uk/news/news-releases/2017/june/the-coding-revolution-marches-on-raspberry-pi-wins|url-status=dead}}
Clusters of hundreds of Raspberry Pis have been used for testing programs destined for supercomputers.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/750-raspberry-pi-boards-supercomputing-testbed/|title=750 Raspberry Pi Boards Used To Create Supercomputer Testbed|date=28 November 2017|website=Digital Trends}}
= Community =
The Raspberry Pi community was described by Jamie Ayre of FOSS software company AdaCore as one of the most exciting parts of the project. Community blogger Russell Davis said that the community strength allows the Foundation to concentrate on documentation and teaching. The community developed a fanzine around the platform called The MagPi{{cite web|url=https://thedigitallifestyle.com/w/index.php/2012/05/06/the-magpi-raspberry-pi-online-magazine-launched/|title=The MagPi – Raspberry Pi online magazine launched|work=The Digital Lifestyle.com|date=6 May 2012 |access-date=16 September 2014}} which in 2015, was handed over to Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd by its volunteers to be continued in-house.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/all-change-meet-the-new-magpi/|title=All change – meet the new MagPi|work=Raspberry Pi|date=27 February 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312172339/http://www.raspberrypi.org/all-change-meet-the-new-magpi/|url-status=dead}} A series of community Raspberry Jam events have been held across the UK and around the world.{{cite web|title=Raspberry Jam|url=https://raspberrypi.org.uk/jam/|work=Raspberry Pi web|access-date=15 March 2015}}{{dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
= Education =
{{As of|January 2012}}, enquiries about the board in the United Kingdom have been received from schools in both the state and private sectors, with around five times as much interest from the latter. It is hoped that businesses will sponsor purchases for less advantaged schools. The CEO of Premier Farnell said that the government of a country in the Middle East has expressed interest in providing a board to every schoolgirl, to enhance her employment prospects.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/mar/05/raspberry-pi-demand |title=Raspberry Pi demand running at '700 per second' |work=The Guardian |date=5 March 2012 |access-date=12 March 2012 |author=Arthur, Charles |location=London}}{{cite news|title=Raspberry Pi mini computer sells out after taking 700 orders per second|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/raspberry-pi-mini-computer-sells-out-after-taking-700-orders-per-second/|access-date=9 June 2012|newspaper=Digital Trends}}
In 2014, the Raspberry Pi Foundation hired a number of its community members including ex-teachers and software developers to launch a set of free learning resources for its website.{{cite news |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/welcome-to-our-new-website/ |title=Welcome to our new website |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation |date=2 April 2014 |access-date=15 March 2015 |author=Upton, Liz |location=Cambridge |archive-date=7 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407054317/http://www.raspberrypi.org/welcome-to-our-new-website/ |url-status=dead}} The Foundation also started a teacher training course called Picademy with the aim of helping teachers prepare for teaching the new computing curriculum using the Raspberry Pi in the classroom.{{cite news |url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/picademy-free-cpd-for-teachers/ |title=Picademy – free CPD for teachers |publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=15 March 2015 |author=Philbin, Carrie Anne |location=Cambridge}}
In 2018, NASA launched the JPL Open Source Rover Project, which is a scaled down version of Curiosity rover and uses a Raspberry Pi as the control module, to encourage students and hobbyists to get involved in mechanical, software, electronics, and robotics engineering.{{cite web|url=https://github.com/nasa-jpl/open-source-rover|title=nasa-jpl/open-source-rover|website=GitHub|date=3 November 2021}}
= Home automation =
There are a number of developers and applications that are using the Raspberry Pi for home automation. These programmers are making an effort to modify the Raspberry Pi into a cost-affordable solution in energy monitoring and power consumption. Because of the relatively low cost of the Raspberry Pi, this has become a popular and economical alternative to the more expensive commercial solutions.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}
= Industrial automation =
File:Raspberry Pi Compute Module v1 (cropped).jpg
File:Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+ Development Kit - 50641587998 (cropped).jpg
In June 2014, Polish industrial automation manufacturer TECHBASE released ModBerry, an industrial computer based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module. The device has a number of interfaces, most notably RS-485/232 serial ports, digital and analogue inputs/outputs, CAN and economical 1-Wire buses, all of which are widely used in the automation industry. The design allows the use of the Compute Module in harsh industrial environments, leading to the conclusion that the Raspberry Pi is no longer limited to home and science projects, but can be widely used as an Industrial IoT solution and achieve goals of Industry 4.0.{{Cite news|url=https://linuxgizmos.com/automation-controller-taps-raspberry-pi-compute-module/ |title=Automation controller taps Raspberry Pi Compute Module|date=25 June 2014|work=LinuxGizmos.com|access-date=10 March 2017}}
In March 2018, SUSE announced commercial support for SUSE Linux Enterprise on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B to support a number of undisclosed customers implementing industrial monitoring with the Raspberry Pi.{{Cite web|url=https://www.suse.com/c/small-server-big-companies-new-raspberry-pi-support-sles-arm/|title=A small server for big companies – New Raspberry Pi support in SLES for ARM|first=Jay|last=Kruemcke|date=26 March 2018|website=SUSE Communities|access-date=2 March 2022}}
In January 2021, TECHBASE announced a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 cluster for AI accelerator, routing and file server use. The device contains one or more standard Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4s in an industrial DIN rail housing, with some versions containing one or more Coral Edge tensor processing units.{{cite web|title=ClusBerry 9500-CM4 – A Raspberry Pi CM4 cluster, industrial style|url=https://www.cnx-software.com/2021/01/18/clusberry-9500-cm4-a-raspberry-pi-cm4-cluster-industrial-style/|access-date=2021-01-27|website=www.cnx-software.com|date=18 January 2021}}
= Commercial products =
The Organelle is a portable synthesiser, a sampler, a sequencer, and an effects processor designed and assembled by Critter & Guitari. It incorporates a Raspberry Pi computer module running Linux.{{cite web |last1=O'Brien |first1=Terrence |title=The Organelle is a music computer that can do almost anything |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-11-08-critter-and-guitari-organelle-music-computer-review-jack-of-all-trades.html |website=Engadget |date=8 November 2019 |access-date=12 December 2020}}
OTTO is a digital camera created by Next Thing Co. It incorporates a Raspberry Pi Compute Module. It was successfully crowd-funded in a May 2014 Kickstarter campaign.{{cite web|title=Meet OTTO – The Hackable GIF Camera|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/meet-otto-the-hackable-gif-camera|website=Kickstarter|date=6 October 2015 |access-date=10 November 2016}}
Slice is a digital media player which also uses a Compute Module as its heart. It was crowd-funded in an August 2014 Kickstarter campaign. The software running on Slice is based on Kodi.{{cite web|title=Slice : A media player and more by Five Ninjas|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fiveninjas/slice-a-media-player-and-more|website=Kickstarter|date=4 December 2015 |access-date=10 November 2016}}
Numerous commercial thin client computer terminals use the Raspberry Pi.{{cite web |title=How good is the new Raspberry Pi 4 as a thin client? |date=8 July 2019 |url=https://www.citrix.com/blogs/2019/07/08/how-good-is-the-new-raspberry-pi-4-as-a-thin-client/ |publisher=Citrix Systems |access-date=27 March 2021}}
= COVID-19 pandemic =
During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand increased primarily due to the increase in remote work, but also because of the use of many Raspberry Pi Zeros in ventilators for COVID-19 patients in countries such as Colombia,{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/raspberry-pi-ventilators-covid-19-163729140.html|title=Raspberry Pi will power ventilators for COVID-19 patients|website=Engadget|date=13 April 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-04-22}} which were used to combat strain on the healthcare system. In March 2020, Raspberry Pi sales reached 640,000 units, the second largest month of sales in the company's history.{{cite news |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/raspberry-pi-why-sales-have-rocketed-in-the-middle-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak/ |title=Raspberry Pi sales are rocketing in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak: Here's why | first=Owen | last=Hughes | website=TechRepublic | date=April 17, 2020}}
= In space =
A project was launched in December 2014 at an event held by the UK Space Agency. The Astro Pi was an augmented Raspberry Pi that included a sensor hat with a visible light or infrared camera. The Astro Pi competition, called Principia, was officially opened in January and was opened to all primary and secondary school aged children who were residents of the United Kingdom. During his mission, British ESA astronaut Tim Peake deployed the computers on board the International Space Station.{{cite web|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/watch-tim-peake-astro-pi-flight-units-in-space/|title=Watch Tim Peake with the Astro Pi flight units in space!|date=7 March 2016|publisher= Raspberry Pi Foundation}} He loaded the winning code while in orbit, collected the data generated and then sent this to Earth where it was distributed to the winning teams. Covered themes during the competition included spacecraft sensors, satellite imaging, space measurements, data fusion and space radiation.
The organisations involved in the Astro Pi competition include the UK Space Agency, UKspace, Raspberry Pi, ESERO-UK and ESA.
In 2017, the European Space Agency ran another competition open to all students in the European Union called Proxima. The winning programs were run on the ISS by Thomas Pesquet, a French astronaut.{{cite web|url=https://astro-pi.org/proxima/|title=Proxima – AstroPi!|publisher=Raspberry Pi Foundation|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-date=1 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301013938/https://astro-pi.org/proxima/|url-status=dead}} In December 2021, the Dragon 2 spacecraft launched by NASA had a pair of Astro Pi in it.{{Cite news|last=Xavier|first=John|date=2022-01-03|title=Bridging the learning gap with a Pi|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/bridging-the-learning-gap-with-a-pi/article38097063.ece|access-date=2022-01-06|issn=0971-751X}}
See also
{{Portal|Electronics}}
References
{{reflist|refs=
{{cite news |author=Bridgwater, Adrian |date=15 March 2012 |title=Community strength blossoms for Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/open-source-insider/2012/03/community-strength-blossoms-for-raspberry-pi.html |access-date=15 March 2012 |work=Computer Weekly}}
{{Cite web |date=April 2025 |title=Final Results for the twelve months to 31 December 2024 |url=https://investors.raspberrypi.com/reports/5/presentation |access-date=5 June 2025 |website=Raspberry Pi Holdings}}
{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=2025-01-09 |title=New $120 16 GB Raspberry Pi 5 is for the people who use it like an everyday PC |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/new-120-16gb-raspberry-pi-5-is-for-the-people-who-use-it-like-an-everyday-pc/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}
}}
Further reading
- Raspberry Pi For Dummies; Sean McManus and Mike Cook; 2013; {{ISBN|978-1118554210}}.
- Getting Started with Raspberry Pi; Matt Richardson and Shawn Wallace; 2013; {{ISBN|978-1449344214}}.
- Raspberry Pi User Guide; Eben Upton and Gareth Halfacree; 2014; {{ISBN|978-1118921661}}.
- Hello Raspberry Pi!; Ryan Heitz; 2016; {{ISBN|978-1617292453}}.
- The Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide; Gareth Halfacree; 2023; {{ISBN|978-1912047260}}.
External links
{{Prone to spam|date=October 2012}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikibooks|Wikijunior:Raspberry Pi}}
- {{Official website}}
- [https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/projects/raspberrypi/ Raspberry Pi, Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge]
- [https://elinux.org/RaspberryPiBoard Raspberry Pi Wiki, supported by the RPF]
- [https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/ The MagPi Magazine]
- [https://www.panu.it/raspberry/ "Raspberry Pi pinout"]{{snd}} board GPIO pinout
- [https://raspmap.everpi.net/ "Raspberry Pi component map"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607084123/https://raspmap.everpi.net/ |date=7 June 2019 }}
- [https://elinux.org/RaspberryPi_Boards "RaspberryPi Boards: Hardware versions/revisions"]
- [https://infocenter.arm.com/help/topic/com.arm.doc.ddi0301h/DDI0301H_arm1176jzfs_r0p7_trm.pdf ARM1176JZF-S (ARM11 CPU Core) Technical Reference Manual] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619185015/http://infocenter.arm.com/help/topic/com.arm.doc.ddi0301h/DDI0301H_arm1176jzfs_r0p7_trm.pdf |date=19 June 2020 }}, ARM Ltd.
{{Single-board computer}}
{{Linux devices}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2012 establishments in the United Kingdom
Category:Computers designed in the United Kingdom
Category:Computer science education in the United Kingdom
Category:Products introduced in 2012