BlackBerry Messenger, aka BBM, is set to shut down on May 31, 2019, BlackBerry announced today. Prior to when the iPhone launched and for several years afterwards, BBM was a key communication method on BlackBerry phones.
As BlackBerry devices fell out of favor, BlackBerry aimed to keep BBM alive with an iOS app that's been available since 2013, but with Messages, WhatsApp, WeChat, and other messaging apps, it's been tough for BBM to compete.
BlackBerry tried to revamp BBM three years ago as a cross-platform messaging service for chatting, watching content, and using payment services, but it didn't work out.
We poured our hearts into making this a reality, and we are proud of what we have built to date.
The technology industry however, is very fluid, and in spite of our substantial efforts, users have moved on to other platforms, while new users proved difficult to sign on.
Though we are sad to say goodbye, the time has come to sunset the BBM consumer service, and for us to move on.
BBM users who don't want the service to end can download BBMe through the Google Play store, as the enterprise version of the app is still available. There is no version for iOS, but CNET says an iOS app is in the works.
Top Rated Comments
I remember around this time I found a Blackberry on the ground on campus. I called the girls mom. I remember when the girl came to pick it up at my apartment she said something like “I’m surprised you didn’t just steal it.” Then I showed her my iPhone and she understood. And that’s how I met your mother. JK but I actually did meet my wife a few months later and this would have been a better story. But the rest of the story is true. Also who steals? That’s dumb but especially when you have an iPhone that basically fell out of the future. It was such a different time.