Traces of new Pi hardware spotted in GitHub

What happened

A merged change in the raspberrypi/linux code repository, called "Add device tree for Pi Zero 3 W and Pi 4A", points to new hardware. The most likely successor is a new version of the Pi Zero 2 W, which launched five years ago. Raspberry Pi has not said anything official. When asked, the company had nothing to add.

Key facts from the code

• The current Pi Zero 2 W has 512 MB of memory and can still be bought for around $18.
• The new Zero may use the Broadcom BCM2711-class chip, up from the RP3A0 in today's Zero. (The article prints it as "BCM271".)
• The Pi 4 uses the same chip family and runs at 1.5GHz. It is unclear if the new Zero will keep that speed.
• The Pi 4 Model A appears to have one HDMI output instead of two.

Background

The Raspberry Pi is a small, cheap computer the size of a credit card. The Pi Zero line is the smallest and cheapest model. The Pi 4 is the top model in the main range. A "Model A" usually means a cheaper version with less memory and fewer ports. Heat is a known problem: the Pi 4 can slow itself down when it gets too hot without a fan.

Why it matters

Fans of the Pi Zero have waited more than five years for an upgrade. A faster Zero could be a big step up if it stays cheap and does not overheat. The Pi 4 Model A, however, looks like a cost-cutting move. Rising memory and parts prices may be pushing the company to make cheaper boards.

What to watch

• Whether the new Zero's memory size and price are announced.
• Whether the chip runs at the same 1.5GHz speed as the Pi 4.
• How well the new Zero handles heat without a fan.
• Whether the Pi 4 Model A ships, and what it cuts from the Pi 4.