Square Launches Faster, Spill-Resistant Register
Square has launched its second-generation Register, the first major update to the hardware in nine years. The new point-of-sale system is aimed at retail and food-and-beverage clients, boasting 40% faster processing and spill-resistant features.
The original Square Register, launched in 2017, was the company's first piece of fully integrated, professional-grade hardware. Its iconic dual-screen setup—one for the seller and a detachable one for the buyer—provided a transparent and swift checkout process that quickly became a fixture for many upmarket businesses. This second-generation model retains the dual-screen design but features significant internal upgrades, including a more powerful processor and expanded memory. The new hardware is also built for durability, with an IP54 rating for resistance against dust and spills—a direct nod to its target food and beverage clients. The new Register is priced at $899 in the United States and is compatible with existing accessories. For businesses with high transaction volumes, Square offers custom processing rates for those generating over $250,000 in annual card sales. "When we first launched Square Register, businesses had narrower requirements for their POS systems," said Thomas Templeton, Block's Head of Hardware, noting that the new device was designed based on seller feedback and the demands of modern commerce. The point-of-sale market has grown increasingly competitive since the first Register's debut, with major players now including Toast, Shopify POS, and Clover, each offering specialized hardware and software solutions for retail and hospitality. This hardware upgrade follows the introduction of the Square Handheld last year, signaling a continued commitment from the company to build out its ecosystem of physical commerce tools for businesses of various sizes. In 2025, 62% of U.S. food and beverage sellers on Square with over $500,000 in annual gross payment volume used a Square Register.
