The latest batch of the official system for Raspberry Pi arrives with a bang, and although the focus is on graphical and usability improvements, the whole makes it clear that the platform continues to mature at a good pace. Raspberry Pi OS 2025-11-24 It refines the experience on HiDPI displays, polishes the Wayland environment, and updates key components we use daily.
In parallel with the launch of the Raspberry Pi flashing tool Imager 2.0This system launch consolidates its technical foundation on Debian 13 “Trixie” and an extended support Linux kernel. The kernel version used is 6.12.47 LTSguaranteeing stability and long-term support for those who build their projects and servers on a Raspberry Pi.
What exactly is new in Raspberry Pi OS 2025-11-24?
The most visible change is in the interface under Wayland, now with Labwc version 0.9.4 as default composer. Openbox's appearance has been tweaked to visually match Labwcoffering a consistent aesthetic that's noticeable from the very first launch. In addition, it includes the Alacarte menu editor, ideal for easily customizing the menu structure to your liking.
For those who use high pixel density displays, a long-awaited improvement has arrived: it is now possible to set HiDPI scaling from the Displays control panel. HiDPI icon support is enabled in the panel, file manager, and various applicationsavoiding those tiny or blurry elements that broke the experience.
Wayland has added more attention to detail: the task switcher now displays icons, making it easier to identify apps on the fly without relying solely on the title. Theme support is also added for Qt 6-based apps and the typographic selection for Qt 5 applications is improved, reducing appearance inconsistencies between programs.
In everyday life, small adjustments make a difference: volume sliders and calendar pop-ups can be closed by clicking on their own icon, a more natural and faster interaction. The dialog boxes for Control Center add-ins no longer appear in the taskbar.clearing the desktop; in addition, external drives now display the correct icons when connected.
Another important change is the removal of support for PulseAudio. Cleaning up old dependencies simplifies the audio stack and prepares the ground for sound management that is more consistent with the current reality of the system.
Browsers up to date: Firefox and Chromium
The team keeps the software we use most for browsing up to date. This image includes Mozilla Firefox 145 and Chromium 142.0.7444.162 by default. Both arrive ready to use and with the latest security enhancements., performance and web compatibility, essential for both multimedia consumption and self-hosted web applications.
Raspberry Pi OS technical base 2025-11-24: Debian 13 “Trixie” and kernel 6.12.47 LTS
Choosing Debian 13 “Trixie” provides a modern and robust environment, taking advantage of the vast package repository and stability that characterizes Debian. The long-term support kernel 6.12.47 strengthens reliability of the platform, especially relevant in 24/7 deployments or in industrial scenarios.
Compatibility with Raspberry Pi models
The image maintains support for virtually the entire family. The following are certified: Raspberry Pi 1A+, 1B+, 2B, 3B, 3B+, 3A+, 4B, 400, 500, CM1, CM3, CM3+, CM4, CM4S, Zero, Zero W, and Zero 2 W. This range ensures that both veteran and the newest equipment will still have a place., something that has always been a hallmark of the project.
Raspberry Pi OS download 2025-11-24 and available flavors
The new look is available from the official website in several variants for 32 and 64 bits, with and without the recommended application suite. This allows the installation to be tailored to the use: minimalist for embedded devices or complete for desktop and learning.
How to update if you already have Raspberry Pi OS
If you're already using Raspberry Pi OS, there's no need to reinstall. Open a terminal and run: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade. With those two commands you'll be up to date And if the system doesn't return any new updates, you're already on version (2025-11-24); check our guide of things to do after installing If you want to optimize your system after the update, you can also use the built-in graphics updater if you prefer a simple click-based approach.
HiDPI and Wayland: details that make a difference
HiDPI support gains strength: configurable scaling from Displays, crisp iconography in panel and applications, and a typographic selection that feels more homogeneous. On 4K monitors or laptops with high pixel density, the difference is clear: less eye strain and an interface that looks as it should.
On the Wayland side, Labwc 0.9.4 as the default compositor adds stability and lightness. Switching tasks with icons is a powerful visual shortcut And the polished theme for Qt 6 reduces the visual "jumps" between apps. The visual coordination with the Openbox look completes that feeling of a well-integrated whole.
Small but significant usability improvements in Raspberry Pi OS 2025-11-24
Closing pop-ups (volume and calendar) by clicking on their icon is the kind of detail that seems minor until you use it daily. You gain speed and avoid unnecessary clicksHiding Control Center dialogs from the taskbar declutters the desktop, and the new correct icons for external drives prevent confusion when connecting flash drives or hard drives.
The withdrawal of PulseAudio support removes a historical layer that, at this point, could be a source of inconsistencies. Fewer overlapping parts mean less friction now a clearer basis for the system's audio.
The Raspberry Pi ecosystem in 2025: hardware and trends
Beyond the operating system, the hardware continues to advance. The Raspberry Pi 5 boasts a 2,4 GHz ARM Cortex-A76 CPU, up to 16 GB of RAM options, and modern connectivity with USB-C, PCIe, and dual HDMI ports. It performs like a mini PC without breaking a sweat., which opens the door to more ambitious projects.
In the embedded field, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W relies on the RP2350 microcontroller, a combination of ARM and RISC-V architectures that adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2. For IoT it's a dream come true: low power consumption, connectivity and affordable cost, ideal for sensors, automation and rapid prototyping.
General connectivity takes a leap forward: USB-C ports, PCIe expansions, and wireless improvements that are noticeable in both bandwidth and stability. Energy optimization and more efficient cooling solutions help maintain high performance without the heat being a headache.
Modularity remains the hallmark of a growing ecosystem of HATs (Hardware Attached on Top). The key is adding exactly what you need: from relays and PoE to displays or motor controllersEverything fits together like pieces of technical LEGO.
Practical tips and good practices
To get the most out of the Pi 5, you can consider a moderate overclock and take care of the cooling with heatsinks or fans. Keeping temperatures under control prevents thermal throttling and you ensure sustained performance.
Choose the language wisely according to the project: MicroPython for fast prototyping on microcontrollers and C/C++ when you need fine performance. In SBC with Linux, Python plus C extensions is a very reliable combination. to balance development speed and velocity.
Energy management is key in IoT: suspensions, timers, low-power sensors, and frequency adjustments will give you more autonomy. A sensible power budget design avoids surprises when the project moves from the test bench to the real world..
This version of Raspberry Pi OS, based on Debian 13 and the LTS kernel, stands out for its push in HiDPI, the refinement of Wayland with Labwc 0.9.4, the fine-tuning in Qt, and a collection of small improvements that make life easier, from more docile pop-ups to correct icons for external drives. With Firefox 145 and Chromium 142 up to date, broad compatibility with all models, and flexible 32/64-bit flavor installationIt's a worthwhile upgrade, whether for desktop, education, IoT projects, or industrial deployments.
