BlackBerry isn’t giving up on BB10

BlackBerry is on the verge of launching its first Android smartphone in the Priv, but the device won’t spell the end for its struggling BB10 operating system.

The Canadian phone maker has taken to its blog to assure developers that BlackBerry 10 support will continue, with a new version of the OS coming next year.

“We will keep developing and enhancing the BlackBerry 10 operating system. In fact, we are confirming plans to release platform updates focused on security and privacy enhancements, with version 10.3.3 scheduled to be available in early 2016,” said BlackBerry in a statement.

Launched in 2013, BB10 was an attempt to claw back market share from Apple and Samsung, but the platform and the devices that ran it failed to gain traction.

Although the slider keyboard-packing Priv runs Google’s Android operating system, it comes with BB10 services such as the BlackBerry Hub preloaded.

Many consider the device a last-ditch attempt to reclaim a slice of the consumer smartphone market by BlackBerry, with company CEO John Chen recently hinting that a withdrawal from the sector is possible.

Carphone Warehouse has snagged an exclusive on the Priv in the UK and is selling the device from £39 per month on contract, with an up front cost of £59.99, or £579.99 SIM-free.

Orders will begin shipping out on November 6.