Before iPhones dominated the world, BlackBerry devices were the go-to phones towards the late noughties and early 2010s and now it looks like they are making a big return next year.
It has now been announced a Texas start-up named OnwardMobility, a mobile security company, has obtained the license needed to produce new BlackBerry phones.
While details of their plans for the forthcoming devices are minimal, it has been reported that the iconic, physical keyboard which were a hit with BlackBerry users will remain. The devices will also be 5G compliant and OnwardMobility look to make security one of the main-selling points.
“BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data,” said OnwardMobility’s CEO Peter Franklin.
“This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G devices to market with the backing of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile.”
BlackBerry’s CEO John Chen has said he is “thrilled OnwardMobility will deliver a BlackBerry 5G smartphone device with physical keyboard leveraging our high standards of trust and security synonymous with our brand.”
Chen added: “We are excited that customers will experience the enterprise and government level security and mobile productivity the new BlackBerry 5G smartphone will offer.”
News of BlackBerry’s return comes after TCL – the Chinese firm responsible for manufacturing and selling BlackBerry handsets – has announced it will stop selling BlackBerry phones from the end of August, with many thinking that the announcement meant the end for BlackBerry.
However, OnwardMobility will revive the BlackBerry in 2021 at a date which is yet to be revealed.