Blackberry TCL Partnership Ended? Full Timeline

Yes, the BlackBerry and TCL partnership has ended. TCL, which held the license to design, manufacture, and sell BlackBerry-branded smartphones since 2016, ceased production of new BlackBerry devices on August 31, 2020, and its licensing agreement with BlackBerry expired on that date. This means TCL no longer produces or sells BlackBerry phones, and the brand’s smartphone future now rests with other licensees.

Background: How the Partnership Began

BlackBerry, once a dominant force in the smartphone market, struggled to compete with Apple and Android devices after the iPhone’s launch in 2007. By 2016, BlackBerry had largely exited the hardware business, pivoting to software and security services. To keep the BlackBerry phone brand alive, the company signed a licensing deal with TCL Communication, a Chinese electronics manufacturer known for its Alcatel and Palm brands. Under this agreement, TCL gained the rights to design, produce, and sell BlackBerry-branded smartphones globally (excluding India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, which had separate licensees). The partnership aimed to revive the classic BlackBerry experience with modern Android hardware, targeting business users and nostalgia-driven fans.

The Phones TCL Released

During the partnership, TCL released several Android smartphones under the BlackBerry name, each with a distinct focus:

BlackBerry KEYone (2017): The first TCL-made BlackBerry, featuring a physical QWERTY keyboard, a 4.5-inch display, and a mid-range Snapdragon 625 processor. It was well-received for its keyboard and battery life.
BlackBerry Motion (2017): A touchscreen-only device, aimed at users who preferred a full-screen experience without the physical keyboard. It emphasized water resistance and a large battery.
BlackBerry KEY2 (2018): An upgraded KEYone with a faster Snapdragon 660 chip, dual rear cameras, and a more refined keyboard. It received positive reviews for its productivity features.
BlackBerry KEY2 LE (2018): A more affordable variant of the KEY2, with a slightly lower-resolution display and a plastic build, targeting budget-conscious buyers.

Despite the nostalgic appeal, sales were modest. The devices were priced competitively but faced stiff competition from established Android brands like Samsung and OnePlus. The physical keyboard, while a differentiator, was also a limitation for users accustomed to modern gestures and larger screens.

Why the Partnership Ended

The end of the TCL-BlackBerry partnership was not a sudden break but a natural conclusion of the licensing agreement. BlackBerry’s licensing model meant that TCL paid royalties to use the brand, but the financial returns were not sufficient to justify continued investment. Several factors contributed:

Market share: BlackBerry phones held less than 1% of the global smartphone market by 2019. The niche appeal of a physical keyboard could not sustain volume.
Cost of R&D: Developing a competitive smartphone requires significant investment in hardware, software, and marketing. TCL likely saw limited return on that investment.
Strategic shift: BlackBerry itself had moved fully to enterprise software (like QNX and BlackBerry Cylance) and had little interest in hardware. The licensing deal was a low-effort revenue stream, but it did not align with the company’s core focus.

In February 2020, TCL announced that it would stop selling BlackBerry phones after the agreement expired on August 31, 2020. The company stated that it had decided not to renew the license, citing “the changing landscape of the mobile industry.”

What Happened After the Split

After TCL exited, BlackBerry did not immediately announce a new hardware partner. For a time, the brand was essentially dormant in the smartphone market. Existing devices continued to receive security updates for a limited period, but no new models were released. In 2021, a small Texas-based startup called OnwardMobility announced plans to launch a 5G BlackBerry with a physical keyboard, but that project never materialized, and the company shut down in 2022. As of 2025, BlackBerry has not released a new smartphone under any licensee. The brand now exists primarily as software and security services, with occasional licensing deals for tablets and other devices, but the classic phone line appears to be discontinued.

Common Problems for Existing Users

If you own a TCL-era BlackBerry, you may face several issues:

No more updates: TCL stopped providing software updates after the partnership ended. Security patches are no longer issued, making the phone vulnerable to new threats.
App compatibility: Older Android versions (KEYone ran Android 8.0, later updated to 8.1) may not support newer apps that require a higher OS version.
Service degradation: Some carriers may drop support for older network bands as they upgrade to 5G, affecting call and data reliability.
Warranty and repairs: TCL no longer services these devices, so finding replacement parts or authorized repair centers is difficult.

If you still use a TCL BlackBerry, consider it a legacy device. For security-sensitive tasks like banking, it is advisable to use a newer, supported phone.

Alternatives to BlackBerry Phones

For those who loved the physical keyboard, there are a few modern alternatives, though none are made by BlackBerry:

Unihertz Titan series: These rugged Android phones feature a physical QWERTY keyboard and are designed for productivity. The Titan Pocket is a compact model.
F(x)tec Pro1-X: A slider phone with a full physical keyboard, running Android. It offers a more modern design but is niche and expensive.
External keypads: For touchscreen phones, you can use Bluetooth keyboard cases or clip-on keyboards to approximate the BlackBerry experience.

If you simply miss the BlackBerry software (like the Hub), you can install third-party launchers and apps that replicate the unified inbox and gesture controls on any Android phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a new BlackBerry phone?

No. TCL stopped production in 2020, and no other licensee has released a new BlackBerry smartphone. You may find new old-stock units from third-party sellers, but they are likely to be several years old and may not have a valid warranty.

Will my TCL BlackBerry get Android 11 or later?

No. TCL only guaranteed two years of OS updates for the KEY2 and KEYone. The KEY2 received Android 10, and the KEYone stayed on Android 8.1. No further updates are planned.

What happened to the BlackBerry brand?

BlackBerry Limited still exists as a software company, focusing on cybersecurity, automotive QNX, and enterprise communications. The consumer phone brand is no longer active, though BlackBerry has licensed its name for other products like tablets and smart speakers.

Is it safe to use a BlackBerry phone in 2025?

From a security perspective, no. Without security patches, the device is vulnerable to known exploits. It may still work for basic calls and texts, but you should not use it for sensitive activities like online banking or email with confidential data.

Why did BlackBerry not find another partner after TCL?

BlackBerry’s leadership decided that the smartphone hardware market was not worth pursuing. The company’s focus is on software and services, which generate higher margins. Licensing the brand to a new partner would require significant oversight and could dilute the brand’s value.

Can I install a custom ROM on my BlackBerry to get newer Android?

For some models, yes. The KEYone and KEY2 have active developer communities that have created unofficial builds of newer Android versions. However, this voids the warranty, may introduce bugs, and is not recommended for users who are not tech-savvy.

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