Ouch – the Raspberry Pi just got more expensive (again)

Raspberry Pi Prices Soar Amid AI-Driven Memory Shortage—Here’s What You Need to Know

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the maker community, Raspberry Pi has announced yet another round of price hikes for its popular single-board computers. This time, the increases are even steeper, with some models seeing their prices jump by as much as $60. The culprit? An unprecedented surge in the cost of LPDDR4 memory, fueled by the insatiable appetite of AI infrastructure development.

The latest price adjustments, which follow similar increases announced late last year, affect all Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 models, as well as Compute Module 4 and 5 variants, with 2GB or more of memory. The Raspberry Pi 500 and 500+ are also caught in the crossfire. For consumers, hobbyists, and industrial users alike, this means getting less value for their money.

Let’s break down the new pricing for the Raspberry Pi 5:

• 1GB: No change, still $45
• 2GB: Up $10, now $65
• 4GB: Up $15, now $85
• 8GB: Up $30, now $125
• 16GB: Up $60, now $205

To put this into perspective, the Raspberry Pi 5 16GB model launched in 2025 with an RRP of $120, which was already considered pricey by many. Now, with the latest increase, it’s even harder to justify for budget-conscious users.

On the brighter side, not all models are affected. The Raspberry Pi 400 remains at $60, and models with 1GB RAM, such as the $35 Raspberry Pi 4 and the $45 Raspberry Pi 5, retain their original prices. Additionally, the Pi Zero, Pi 3, and older products are unaffected, as they use LPDDR2 RAM chips for which the company has ample inventory.

For the maker community, these price hikes are particularly painful. While few people buy a Raspberry Pi as their primary computer (cheaper options exist for that), the Pi has long been the go-to choice for IoT, embedded systems, robotics, and hobby projects. Its versatility, adaptability, and affordability have made it a cornerstone of the DIY tech world. Now, with these increases, many are left wondering if the Pi will remain the accessible platform it once was.

Is This the End of Affordable Raspberry Pi?

The root cause of these price hikes lies in the AI boom. As companies race to build out AI infrastructure, the demand for memory components has skyrocketed, driving up costs across the board. Raspberry Pi acknowledges that this is a temporary situation, describing it as “ultimately a temporary one.” The company is optimistic that prices will come down once the demand for manufacturing and parts stabilizes.

However, with AI demand showing no signs of slowing—and in fact, expected to increase in 2026—many are skeptical about how soon relief will come. For now, the maker community is left grappling with higher costs and the question of whether the Raspberry Pi can maintain its status as the affordable, accessible platform it was designed to be.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Unintended Consequences

While the AI revolution has brought incredible advancements, it’s also had some unintended side effects. From driving up the cost of consumer electronics to straining global supply chains, the ripple effects are being felt far and wide. For Raspberry Pi users, the impact is particularly acute. After all, these devices were meant to democratize technology, making it accessible to everyone. Now, with prices soaring, that mission feels more challenging than ever.

As one frustrated user put it, “All this just so more people can make Auntie Jean look like an anthropomorphic turnip in the name of civilizationmaxxing?” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many who feel the AI gold rush is coming at too high a cost.

What’s Next for Raspberry Pi?

Despite the challenges, Raspberry Pi remains committed to its mission. The company has assured users that it will lower prices as soon as the market conditions allow. In the meantime, it’s encouraging users to explore the unaffected models, such as the Pi Zero and Pi 3, which remain affordable options for many projects.

For now, the maker community will have to adapt to these changes, finding new ways to innovate within the constraints of higher prices. Whether this marks the end of the Raspberry Pi’s reign as the king of affordable computing remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the AI boom has changed the game, and the tech world will never be the same.

Tags: #RaspberryPi #AI #PriceHikes #MakerCommunity #TechNews #SingleBoardComputers #LPDDR4 #IoT #Robotics #EmbeddedSystems #AIInfrastructure #TechTrends #DIY #AffordableTech #TechCrunch

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