Raspberry Pi Desktop Released for PC and Mac
The new version runs on Debian 13 Trixie and mandates a 64-bit architecture for all installations.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Computers
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The Raspberry Pi project has launched its Desktop operating system for PC and Mac hardware. The release marks a shift to the Debian 13 Trixie base and officially drops support for 32-bit systems.
Why it matters
By moving exclusively to 64-bit architecture, the project aligns its desktop OS with modern computing standards. This update streamlines the experience for users running Linux on standard hardware by integrating the Raspberry Pi Connect client.
The desktop environment is powered by the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel and runs on x86_64 or 64-bit Intel-based Macs. It utilizes the Calamares graphical installer for setup via a USB flash drive.
The players
Raspberry Pi
This organization is a project-based entity known for developing affordable single-board computers and the Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS.
The details
Users can access the system by writing an ISO image to a USB drive and launching the installer from the desktop shortcut or System Tools menu. While the build supports Intel-based Macs, compatibility for Apple Silicon remains in an experimental state.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: The Raspberry Pi Desktop software became available for public download.
The Tech Race
This release follows the wider industry trend of deprecating legacy 32-bit software in favor of 64-bit infrastructure. It positions the project to compete as a lightweight, stable Linux alternative for users migrating away from older, unsupported operating systems.
Users can repurpose older PC and Intel-based Mac hardware by installing this lean OS via a USB drive. The shift to a 64-bit requirement means owners of very old, 32-bit-only hardware will no longer be able to run the latest official software.
The takeaway
This update signals that modern software development is increasingly leaving 32-bit hardware behind. Users should verify their CPU architecture before attempting an installation to avoid compatibility issues.
Further reading
For more information on Linux desktop environments, explore the Computers section.
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