Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W and 4 Model A Files Appear
New hardware support in the Linux kernel confirms that Raspberry Pi is preparing to expand its single-board computer lineup.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Developers have added Device Tree files for the unannounced Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W and Raspberry Pi 4 Model A to the official Linux kernel tree. These additions, identified on October 27, 2026, suggest that both hardware models are currently in the research or pre-production stage.
Why it matters
The inclusion of these files indicates that Raspberry Pi is preparing to expand its hardware lineup with new boards, five years after the release of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W in 2021.
The Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W is expected to utilize a Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 system-on-a-chip (SoC), marking a performance shift compared to the prior generation's architecture.
The players
Raspberry Pi
A developer of low-cost, single-board computers commonly used in hobbyist electronics, education, and embedded industrial applications.
The details
The addition of Device Tree files—structured data that describes the hardware configuration of a platform to the Linux kernel—is a mandatory step for enabling operating system support. By merging these files into the official kernel tree, the developers ensure that the software can correctly identify and manage the board's components, including its CPU, memory, and peripheral controllers.
Timeline
2021: The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W was released.
October 27, 2026: Linux kernel patches for the new hardware were published.
The Tech Race
This development marks a significant update to the Raspberry Pi product roadmap after a five-year gap since the Zero 2 W launch. It positions the firm to compete in the low-power embedded market with updated BCM2711 silicon.
Potential users of Raspberry Pi hardware should look for official announcements from the manufacturer regarding pricing and retail availability for these upcoming boards. The release of kernel patches is a precursor to a wider launch, meaning the devices are not yet available for purchase.
The takeaway
The addition of these files confirms that new Raspberry Pi hardware is in development and approaching a market release. Enthusiasts should monitor official Raspberry Pi communication channels for forthcoming launch dates and verified hardware specifications.
Further reading
For broader technical context on hardware architecture updates, visit our Semiconductors section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Phoronix.
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