After 22 years since the first smartphone was introduced, Blackberry has announced “End of Support” for its classic smartphone range, which run not only on Blackberry 7.1 and earlier, but also BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1. However, phone models run on Android OS will not be affected by this move.
Sources say that these affected devices will no longer receive updates and function normally. Further, it added that key tasks like making calls, texting and using data will be affected while certain applications such as Enhanced Sim Based Licensing, Identity Based Licensing, BlackBerry-hosted email and the original BlackBerry Protect will run with limited functionality.
Blackberry’s ability to write and send emails easily was the key feature for professionals to own a Blackberry when it first entered the market back in 2000 and soon it grew its popularity and managed to enter into new markets globally in less than a decade.
However, Blackberry’s rankings dropped in 2016 with the introduction of Apple’s iPhone to the market. Further, Blackberry’s acceptance in the market rapidly descended due to lack of interest in adopting and adapting consumer perception and poor design which led to a full stop to its productions in 2018.
Recently, a firm named OnwardMobility in Texas hinted a new release of a 5G Android Blackberry phone in 2021. However, the new phone was yet to release and have no information as to when it will actually be released.
Compiled by Hasika Nanayakkara for LBN