JANUARY 2020 UPDATE: OnwardMobility didn't deliver on its 2021 promise, but in January 2022 they offer an update declaring themselves Not Dead. Read the update here.
While many folks wrote off the possibility of future BlackBerry smartphones after TCL announced they would no longer design, manufacture, or sell any new BlackBerry devices, it turns that might have been too quick of a judgment. A new joint announcement from BlackBerry, OnwardMobility, and FIH Mobile lays out the plans for a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard to be brought to market in North America, and Europe within the first half of 2021.
"Enterprise professionals are eager for secure 5G devices that enable productivity, without sacrificing the user experience," said Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility. "BlackBerry smartphones are known for protecting communications, privacy, and data. This is an incredible opportunity for OnwardMobility to bring next-generation 5G devices to market with the backing of BlackBerry and FIH Mobile."
As part of the announcement, John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO at BlackBerry noted:
"BlackBerry 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. We are excited that customers will experience the enterprise and government level security and mobile productivity the new BlackBerry 5G smartphone will offer,"
The press release is short on specific device details outside of saying it will run Android, feature a physical keyboard, and be 5G capable. Still, OnwardMobility has full reign to do product planning and market development. At the same time, FIH Mobile will design and manufacture the devices under BlackBerry's strict guidelines.
We can expect to hear more from BlackBerry and OnwardMobility as we head into 2021, but for now, let me know how you all feel about this announcement in the comments or the CrackBerry Forums!
Press Release
Read more
OnwardMobility officially announces it is shutting down
In case there was any doubt remaining following my recent bursting of the BlackBerry 5G keyboard phone bubble, today OnwardMobility updated their website to say thank you for the support and let everyone know they are shutting their doors for good: To all of our valued followers, supporters and partners: We want to thank you all for the tremendous amount of support that you...
After declaring itself not dead, OnwardMobility is (apparently) dead
Update: February 18th: OnwardMobility officially announces it's shutting down While no public acknowledgement has been made by BlackBerry or OnwardMobility yet (and it's hard to say if we'll ever see a formal announcement though I hope we do as they really owe the community one), word is now getting out that OnwardMobility's initiative to bring a 5G BlackBerry to market is no more....
Sign up to receive OnwardMobility BlackBerry 5G updates
As part of a new engagement program built for those interested in BlackBerry 5G smartphones, OnwardMobility has opened up registration to receive product, feature, and availability updates.
CrackBerry Podcast: Onward BlackBerry!
We're back with a special edition CrackBerry podcast. For this one, Peter Franklin, CEO at OnwardMobility, joins the CrackBerry crew to discuss his company's upcoming release of a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone in the first half of 2021.