BlackBerry’s Instant Messaging App Hits 10 Million Downloads, as Company Continues to Struggle

  • Share
  • Read Later
Chris Ratcliffe / Bloomberg via Getty Images

A logo stands on display outside the BlackBerry Ltd. headquarters in Slough, U.K., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013.

A struggling BlackBerry marked success for the first time in months thanks to its beloved BBM instant messaging service, which notched 10 million downloads within 24 hours of its app rollout for iOS and Android users.

BBM launched an app for iOS and Android users Monday, and according to a company statement, received 60,000 five-star reviews on Google Play and enjoyed the top spot for downloads in Apple’s free app store in more than 75 countries — a rare moment for the troubled company. It recently agreed to a $4.7 billion sale to a consortium led by Fairfax Financial, reported a net loss of $965 million in the second quarter of 2013 and cut 4,500 jobs last month.

The Canadian firm initially planned to roll out its service last month but a leaked Android version that was not ready for release delayed the launch. iOS and Android users can sign up for BBM in phases, first reserving a spot in line to register. Blackberry then alerts users when they can begin using the service via email.