A few months ago BlackBerry announced that its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) was going to launch on both Android and iPhone platforms. It still hasn't arrived so we've explained what happened to BBM on Android and iPhone.
BlackBerry's original announcement said that the popular messaging app would launch on rival operating systems. It was vague about the release date though, saying simply that it would be launched during the summer. See also: BBM to come pre-loaded on rival smartphones.
Summer then came and went with no sign of BBM for Apple and Google smartphones but eventually BlackBerry came up with some firm dates. It said that BBM on Android would launch on 21 September with the iOS version hitting the App Store the following day.
The app launch was then put on hold after an incomplete version of BBM for Android appeared online.
BlackBerry said: "Prior to launching BBM for Android, an unreleased version of the BBM for Android app was posted online. The interest and enthusiasm we have seen already - more than 1.1 million active users in the first 8 hours without even launching the official Android app - is incredible. Consequently, this unreleased version caused issues, which we have attempted to address throughout the day.
"Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it's ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM. We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone. Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. The unreleased Android app will be disabled, and customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM for Android availability."
The latest news is that BlackBerry is still committed to launching BBM on Android and BBM on iOS. Those of you who are interested can sign up for updated at BBM.com.
