BlackBerry to stop making its own phones

BlackBerry has all but conceded to the likes of Apple and Samsung; after 14 years, the longstanding smartphone stalwart will stop designing and manufacturing its own smartphones.

The BlackBerry name will still appear on devices but these will be built by third party manufacturers. BlackBerry has already locked down a licensing agreement with an Indonesian company who will manufacture and distribute BlackBerry branded devices. These devices will run BlackBerry's "secure" take on Google's Android operating system.

"The company plans to end all internal hardware development and will outsource that function to partners," said BlackBerry CEO John Chen.

"BlackBerry is no longer just about the smartphone, but the smart in the phone. Working with trusted partners to extend the reach and availability of our secure mobility software remains a key focus for the Mobility Solutions unit and this joint venture is just one of our next steps in making our software licensing strategy successful."

The move was foreshadowed earlier this year with the launch of the DTEK50, a rebadged version of Alcatel's Idol 4 running BlackBerry's take on Android.

The BlackBerry Priv - BlackBerry's first Android smartphone - was the last device the company designed and manufactured in house.

Woman holding a BlackBerry Classic image from ShutterStock.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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