Texas Company Promises to Release 5G BlackBerry With Physical QWERTY Keyboard in 2021 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Texas Company Promises to Release 5G BlackBerry With Physical QWERTY Keyboard in 2021

Texas-based startup OnwardMobility today announced that it plans to release a new Android-based BlackBerry smartphone with a physical QWERTY keyboard and 5G support in the first half of 2021 in North America and Europe.

5g blackberry
The device will really only be a BlackBerry in spirit, as part of a brand licensing agreement with the Canadian company. Once a dominant player in the smartphone industry, BlackBerry exited the business in 2016 following years of declining sales, falling victim to the rise in popularity of the iPhone and Android smartphones.

While details are slim, OnwardMobility claims that its BlackBerry will sport a "world-class design" with a focus on security and productivity for "enterprise professionals."

Chinese company TCL reached a similar agreement with BlackBerry to manufacture BlackBerry-branded devices in 2016. That partnership is set to expire at the end of August, paving the way for OnwardMobility to step in.

BlackBerry briefly experimented with an Android-based smartphone of its own in 2015, the Priv, which combined a 5.4-inch display with a physical QWERTY keyboard.

Popular Stories

iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...

Top Rated Comments

4jasontv Avatar
77 months ago
I hear it will have Push-to-Talk and the most advanced WAP browser ever seen.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JM Avatar
77 months ago

I hear it will have Push-to-Talk and the most advanced WAP browser ever seen.
Uhhhhh... WAP?



Attachment Image
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SharkeyStormcrow Avatar
77 months ago
Remind me again who would want a blackberry phone in 2021?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zaft Avatar
77 months ago
Dead on arrival
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Morgenland Avatar
77 months ago

Bring back the Blackberry please.
For my sweet
Follow me into the garden of innovation, desire and passion

Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
77 months ago

Texas Company Promises to Release 5G BlackBerry With Physical QWERTY Keyboard in 2021
Nice, promise to deliver something well after the apocalypse.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)