What replaced the Model B?
The phrase “Model B” most commonly refers to the original Raspberry Pi Model B—the tiny, affordable computer that launched a global DIY movement. The immediate successor was the Raspberry Pi Model B+, and the broader line has since evolved through the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, 3 Model B, 4 Model B, and the current Raspberry Pi 5 Model B.
Major generations that followed the Model B
The Raspberry Pi lineage rapidly expanded after the original Model B, with each new generation bringing more memory, faster processors, and newer I/O capabilities. The following timeline highlights the primary successors and the changes they introduced.
- Raspberry Pi Model B+ (2014) — a refined revision with improved power management, more robust USB support, better audio, and additional mounting holes, while keeping the same core SoC family as the original Model B.
- Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (2015) — a major performance upgrade with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU and typically 1 GB of RAM, vastly improving multitasking and compatibility with desktop-like software.
- Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (2016) — built-in Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, a faster Cortex-A53 CPU, and enhanced multimedia capabilities, broadening use cases to include wireless projects and simple apps without external adapters.
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2019) — a substantial leap: faster CPU, dual micro HDMI outputs, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple RAM options up to 8 GB, enabling more demanding workloads and desktop-style experiences.
- Raspberry Pi 5 Model B (2023) — the latest in the line with a faster CPU, higher memory options, and enhanced I/O, including a PCIe interface for high-speed storage and expansion, marking a new level of performance for hobbyists and professionals alike.
These boards collectively transformed the Model B lineage from a simple classroom computer into a versatile platform capable of desktop use, media centers, and expansive IoT projects.
What this replacement means for users
For students, educators, developers, and makers, the replacement path from Model B to Model B+ through 2, 3, 4, and now 5 Model B represents a steady expansion of capability without sacrificing affordability. Each generation has brought more RAM, faster processing, and broader connectivity, enabling everything from retro gaming emulation to compact desktop setups and edge-computing experiments.
Look ahead: the trajectory of the Pi line
Industry observers expect future iterations to continue balancing performance gains with energy efficiency, greater memory options, and even more versatile I/O—keeping Raspberry Pi suitable for classroom labs, hobbyist builds, and increasingly capable edge devices.
Summary
The original Raspberry Pi Model B spawned a lineage that has continually replaced its predecessor with stronger hardware and richer features. Beginning with the Model B+, then moving through the 2, 3, 4, and now the 5 Model B, the series has expanded memory, processing power, and I/O to support a wide spectrum of uses—from education and tinkering to professional, real-world deployments.
