BBM expanded to Android and iOS platforms

BlackBerry has confirmed that it will launch its Messenger Apps for use on Android and Apple devices later this week.

Previously only available on BlackBerry smartphones, BBM will be available as a free download in Google Play and the App Store.

"BBM is a very engaging messaging service that is simple to use, easy to personalise and has an immediacy that is necessary for mobile communications," said Andrew Bocking, executive VP for BBM at BlackBerry. "With more than a billion Android, iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones in the market, and no dominant mobile messaging platform, this is absolutely the right time to bring BBM to Android and iPhone customers."

BBM will be available as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.x) on September 21.

BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will become available for each market on the App Store on September 22.