Hardware comparison table (Pi 4 vs Pi 5 vs CM5)



Here is a **clear, up‑to‑date roundup** of the **latest Raspberry Pi Foundation software updates and hardware releases**, grounded entirely in the most recent 2026 sources.

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# **Latest Raspberry Pi Software Updates (2026)**

## **Raspberry Pi OS — Major Upgrade to Debian 13 “Trixie”**
The Raspberry Pi OS has undergone a **major system update**, now based on **Debian 13 (Trixie)** and shipping with the **Linux 6.12 LTS kernel**, bringing improved GPU, USB, and Bluetooth drivers, better stability, and long‑term support.   [raspberry.tips](https://raspberry.tips/en/raspberrypi-tutorials/update-raspberry-pi-os)

### **Key new features**
- **New PiXtrix & PiXonyx desktop themes** (light + dark) with modern icon sets and a new system font.   [raspberry.tips](https://raspberry.tips/en/raspberrypi-tutorials/update-raspberry-pi-os)  
- **Unified Control Centre** replacing multiple separate settings apps.   [raspberry.tips](https://raspberry.tips/en/raspberrypi-tutorials/update-raspberry-pi-os)  
- **New lxpanel‑pi taskbar**, including a system monitor and unified clock plugin.   [raspberry.tips](https://raspberry.tips/en/raspberrypi-tutorials/update-raspberry-pi-os)  
- **Y2038 bug fix** for 32‑bit systems.   [raspberry.tips](https://raspberry.tips/en/raspberrypi-tutorials/update-raspberry-pi-os)  
- **New swaylock‑based lock screen** with clearer feedback.   [raspberry.tips](https://raspberry.tips/en/raspberrypi-tutorials/update-raspberry-pi-os)  

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## **June 2026 Raspberry Pi OS Update — Kernel 6.18 LTS**
A newer June 2026 update introduces **Linux kernel 6.18.34 LTS**, refreshed icons, improved touchscreen defaults, and updated Wayland compositor **Labwc 0.9.7**.   [Linuxiac](https://linuxiac.com/raspberry-pi-os-june-update-lands-with-linux-kernel-6-18-lts/)

### **Highlights**
- Updated toolbar icons across LibreOffice, Geany, Xarchiver, Eye of MATE.  
- Larger icon support in lxpanel.  
- DBus now prevents multiple instances of key apps (pishutdown, rpcc, agnostics, etc.).  
- Bug fixes for Printers plugin, audio device selection, keyboard navigation, and piclone.  
- Polish language support added.  
- Updated firmware and kernel 6.18.34 LTS.   [Linuxiac](https://linuxiac.com/raspberry-pi-os-june-update-lands-with-linux-kernel-6-18-lts/)  

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## **Raspberry Pi OS 2026‑06‑18 Release**
The Raspberry Pi Foundation confirmed the OS now defaults to **Linux 6.18 LTS**, with improved ARM optimizations, smoother responsiveness, and enhanced networking.   [9to5Linux](https://9to5linux.com/latest-raspberry-pi-os-release-is-powered-by-linux-kernel-6-18-lts)

### **Additional improvements**
- Updated Labwc compositor (0.9.7).  
- New default touchscreen associations.  
- New icons for Recommended Software.  
- DBus protection against multiple app instances.  
- Removal of python3‑flask from default install.  
- Code cleanup in Control Centre plugins.  
- Fixes for Printers, Volume, Main Menu keyboard activation, and PiClone.   [9to5Linux](https://9to5linux.com/latest-raspberry-pi-os-release-is-powered-by-linux-kernel-6-18-lts)  

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## **Official Raspberry Pi OS Downloads (June 2026)**
The latest downloadable images (64‑bit & 32‑bit) were released **18 June 2026**, all based on **Debian 13 (Trixie)** and **Linux kernel 6.18**.   [Raspberry Pi](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/)

### **Available editions**
- **Raspberry Pi OS (64‑bit)** — full desktop  
- **Raspberry Pi OS Full (64‑bit)** — desktop + recommended apps  
- **Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64‑bit)** — no desktop  
- **Raspberry Pi OS (32‑bit)** — full desktop  
- **Raspberry Pi OS Full (32‑bit)**  
- **Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32‑bit)**  
- **Legacy OS (Bookworm)** — kernel 6.12 for older hardware  

All images include updated firmware and support for Raspberry Pi 3B → Raspberry Pi 5, CM series, and Zero 2 W.   [Raspberry Pi](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/)

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# **Latest Raspberry Pi Hardware Releases (2026)**

## **Raspberry Pi 5 (April 2026) — Major New Hardware Platform**
The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s newest flagship board is the **Raspberry Pi 5**, released April 2026. It delivers a **2–3× performance increase** over Raspberry Pi 4 and introduces in‑house silicon design.   [pip-assets.raspberrypi.com](https://pip-assets.raspberrypi.com/categories/892-raspberry-pi-5/documents/RP-008348-DS-6-raspberry-pi-5-product-brief.pdf)

### **Key hardware features**
- **Broadcom BCM2712** quad‑core Cortex‑A76 @ 2.4GHz (64‑bit)  
- **VideoCore VII GPU** (OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan 1.2)  
- **Dual 4Kp60 HDMI output** with HDR  
- **LPDDR4X‑4267 RAM** options: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, **16GB**  
- **Dual‑band Wi‑Fi 802.11ac**, Bluetooth 5.0  
- **2× USB 3.0**, **2× USB 2.0**  
- **Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ support** (via HAT)  
- **2× 4‑lane MIPI camera/display transceivers**  
- **PCIe 2.0 x1 interface** for SSDs or high‑bandwidth peripherals  
- **SDR104 high‑speed microSD support**  
- **Real‑time clock**, **power button**, **40‑pin GPIO header**  
- **Operating temperature:** 0°C to 70°C  
- **Production lifetime:** guaranteed until **January 2036**   [pip-assets.raspberrypi.com](https://pip-assets.raspberrypi.com/categories/892-raspberry-pi-5/documents/RP-008348-DS-6-raspberry-pi-5-product-brief.pdf)

### **Pricing (2026)**
- 1GB: $45  
- 2GB: $65  
- 4GB: $110  
- 8GB: $175  
- 16GB: $305   [pip-assets.raspberrypi.com](https://pip-assets.raspberrypi.com/categories/892-raspberry-pi-5/documents/RP-008348-DS-6-raspberry-pi-5-product-brief.pdf)

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## **Raspberry Pi 5 Accessories (2026)**
Official accessories released alongside Raspberry Pi 5 include:  
- **Raspberry Pi 5 Case** with built‑in fan  
- **27W USB‑C Power Supply**  
- **Active Cooler** for heavy workloads  
- **M.2 PCIe HAT** (for NVMe SSDs)  
These accessories are designed to maximize the performance of the new RP1 I/O controller.   [Raspberry Pi](https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/?pubDate=20251001)

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# **Summary — What’s New from Raspberry Pi in 2026**

### **Software**
- Major OS upgrade to **Debian 13 (Trixie)**  
- Kernel updates: **6.12 LTS → 6.18 LTS**  
- New desktop themes, icons, lock screen, unified Control Centre  
- Updated Wayland compositor (Labwc 0.9.7)  
- Touchscreen improvements, DBus app‑instance protection  
- Numerous bug fixes and firmware updates  

### **Hardware**
- **Raspberry Pi 5**: fastest Pi ever, with PCIe, dual 4K, new GPU, new RP1 I/O silicon  
- New official accessories: case, cooler, power supply, SSD HAT  

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If you want, Francisco, I can also produce:

- a **wiki‑ready Raspberry Pi 2026 update page**,  
- a **short version for your WordPress category**,  
- or a **hardware comparison table** (Pi 4 vs Pi 5 vs CM5).