Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton has hinted that a Zero 3 W single-board computer is possible, but it would come with a higher price tag than its predecessors. In a Reddit AMA, Upton called the device 'quite feasible' while acknowledging current memory costs make it expensive.
CEO cites memory costs as key barrier
The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W launched in late 2021 at $15, and the original Pi Zero debuted in 2015 for just $5. A Zero 3 W would need a dual-sided design to fit modern DRAM and a more recent system-on-chip, according to Upton.
Ongoing price pressures on LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X memory mean a Zero 3 W would launch with a 'rather un-Zero-like price point' if released today. Upton indicated that Raspberry Pi has postponed any Zero 3 W announcements until RAM prices become more reasonable.
The company appears to be waiting to stockpile LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X memory at lower costs before moving forward. This strategy aims to keep the Zero series affordable, as the brand is known for its low price point.
Upton's comments suggest that while a Zero 3 W is technically feasible, market conditions are not yet favorable. The device would likely use a more modern SoC and require a dual-sided PCB to accommodate components.
For now, Raspberry Pi fans will have to wait. The company has not provided a timeline for the Zero 3 W, and no official announcement is expected until memory prices drop.
Source: NotebookCheck
