On January 4, 2022, Blackberry shut down its services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1, and earlier versions. The update is notably not applicable to BlackBerry phones based on the Android operating system. Blackberry made this reminder announcement in December 2021 to keep its legacy service users on alert.
This is following a move from the company’s administration to focus on developing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments globally. Hence, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality.
The company initially announced the move in September 2020 but extended its service as “an expression of thanks” to its loyal customers and partners.
Hear from Blackberry
Following the shutting down of their activities, Blackberry-run devices would cease to be functional. The organization has plunged fully into the software and cybersecurity industry.
According to Blackberry “In 2016, BlackBerry Executive Chairman and CEO John Chen announced that the company’s transition to a software company was complete. Since then, we’ve made great strides executing our business strategy, and today, we are focused on providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world.
As another milestone in the BlackBerry journey, we will be taking steps to decommission the legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1, and earlier versions, with an end of life or termination date of January 4, 2022. As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS, and 9-1-1 functionality. We have chosen to extend our service until then as an expression of thanks to our loyal partners and customers.”
In a tweet affirming the shutdown, the CEO of Blackberry, John Chen said “I am genuinely moved by all the well wishes and memories friends around the world have shared today about Blackberry and our smartphone. Thank you for your loyalty throughout our journey. #TeamBlackBerry; our path will cross again.”
BlackBerry phones were once a sort after gadgets, with a great market peak in 2012, but the disruptive power of innovation moved the preferred user experience from the external keyboard of the BlackBerry toward the full screen of the smartphone, and Blackberry lost its charm, as users migrated to iPhone or Android devices.