BlackBerry has confirmed that it will expand the reach of its BBM messaging service later today, with a BBM for iPad app to land ‘within hours’.
With the BBM for iPhone and BBM for Android apps having been originally introduced last month, ailing smartphone maker BlackBerry has now revealed that it will launch its free-to-use WhatsApp rival to Wi-Fi only Apple devices, such as the new iPad Air and iPad mini 2, later today.
Speaking with Slashgear yesterday, BlackBerry’s Head of BBM, Andrew Bocking confirmed that the BBM for iPad app will land “within 24 hours.” The latest BBM app will also work with the Wi-Fi connected iPod Touch.
With the recent multiplatform BBM launch having seen the formerly BlackBerry handset exclusive service exceed 10 million downloads during its first 24 hours of availability, Bocking has stated that he is “pleased” with the high adoption rates.
Although the existing iOS BBM app can be used on 3G and 4G connected iPads, the upcoming application will allow Wi-Fi only models to make use of the cross-platform messaging options for the first time.
Originally BlackBerry had stated that it would not bring BBM to iPads as the messaging service was better used on truly portable, and independently connected devices.
Speaking exclusively with TrustedReviews back at BlackBerry Live in May, Vivek Bhardwaj, Head of the BlackBerry Software Portfolio stated: “Smartphone is our real focus and again it comes back to what BBM is.”
He added: “If you look at BBM and the engagement and the activity, it’s because it is mobile, because people are on the go.”
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