BlackBerry has revealed that it will no longer be providing monthly security updates for its BlackBerry Priv smartphone. The Priv has been around for more than two years, and BlackBerry previously said that they would support the handset for two years after launch.
The company said that the handsets will continue to be covered by any warranties, and if there are any critical vulnerabilities, they will work with their partners to fix the vulnerabilities.
When we introduced our first Android device more than 24 months ago, we committed to delivering 2 years of monthly software updates for the PRIV. True to our word, we fulfilled this commitment though in truth, the PRIV’s built-in security posture had little need for many of the updates we delivered in conjunction with partners such as Google and Qualcomm.
Having now stepped outside the original 2-year window, we will no longer be delivering monthly updates for the PRIV moving forward.
BlackBerry Priv: A Brief Overview
The BlackBerry Priv was a significant milestone for BlackBerry as it marked the company’s first foray into the Android ecosystem. Launched in November 2015, the Priv combined BlackBerry’s renowned security features with the flexibility and app availability of the Android operating system. The device featured a 5.4-inch dual-curved display, a slide-out physical keyboard, and a robust 18-megapixel camera. It was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and came with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
Despite its innovative design and strong security features, the Priv faced stiff competition from other Android manufacturers and struggled to gain significant market share. However, it did manage to carve out a niche among users who valued BlackBerry’s security features and the physical keyboard.
Implications of Ending Monthly Updates
The decision to end monthly security updates for the Priv has several implications for its users. While the device will still be covered by warranties and critical vulnerabilities will be addressed, the lack of regular updates could make it more susceptible to new security threats over time. This is particularly concerning given the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks and the importance of keeping devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.
For users who rely on the Priv for business or personal use, this development may prompt them to consider upgrading to a newer device that continues to receive regular updates. BlackBerry has since released other Android devices, such as the BlackBerry KeyOne and Key2, which may be suitable alternatives for those looking to stay within the BlackBerry ecosystem.
Additionally, the end of monthly updates highlights the broader issue of software support lifecycles for smartphones. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, manufacturers face the challenge of balancing the need to support older devices with the resources required to develop and maintain new products. This often results in a finite support window for devices, after which users must decide whether to continue using their current device without regular updates or upgrade to a newer model.
You can find out more details about the Priv over at BlackBerry at the link below. It looks like the device will only get updates if there are serious security flaws in the future.
Source BlackBerry
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