BlackBerry Limited, commonly known as BB, is a Canadian multinational company specialising in enterprise software and the Internet of Things (IoT). Founded in 1984 as Research In Motion by Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin, it shot to fame with its iconic BlackBerry smartphones in the early 2000s. The company has since shifted its focus from handheld devices to software and services after being overshadowed by competitors like Apple and Samsung.
The BlackBerry smartphone was notably popular for its security features and QWERTY keyboard. But with changing consumer preferences and the rising popularity of touch-screen phones, BlackBerry's grip on the market shrunk, paving the way for its pivot towards software and services.
BlackBerry now primarily deals in four main areas: IoT, cybersecurity, critical event management, and autonomous vehicles. Its QNX software, used in embedded systems like entertainment consoles and digital instrument clusters, is found in more than 175 million vehicles worldwide. In the IoT realm, BlackBerry provides end-to-end solutions that gathers and analyses data to aid in decision making and innovation.
BlackBerry is also highly sought after for its cybersecurity expertise. Its Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Unified Endpoint Security (UES) offer comprehensive, AI-driven solutions to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. In addition, its critical event management solutions aid organisations in mitigating operational, health, and safety risks.
Despite its shift from consumer electronics, BlackBerry continues to license out its tech to companies manufacturing mobile devices, thereby maintaining its presence in the smartphone market. For example, in 2020, BlackBerry signed a deal with OnwardMobility and FIH Mobile, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, to launch a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard.
BlackBerry’s pivot and transformation over the years reflect the firm's adaptability to the evolving market dynamics. From popularising mobile email to developing groundbreaking IoT and security software, BlackBerry Ltd. stays committed to leading in technological innovation. Despite facing fierce competition over the years, BlackBerry has proven itself to be a resilient player in the tech industry, consistently striving to deliver advanced solutions to meet the world's changing digital needs.
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BlackBerry, once a leader in the smartphone market, is now focusing its strategy on AI-powered robots, moving beyond its automotive software foundations. CEO John Giamatteo highlights the QNX operating system's expansion into autonomous machines and "physical AI," which is described as equipping mechanical systems to interact with physical environments. This shift has already contributed to a significant increase in BlackBerry's QNX royalty backlog and a substantial surge in its stock value for 2026.
BlackBerry (NYSE: BB) shares are rising after CEO John Giamatteo pitched AI-driven robotics as a significant new growth area. The company's QNX software, already prevalent in over 275 million vehicles for safety-critical functions, is now targeted for expansion into supply chains, medical equipment, governments, and robots. BlackBerry has also added David Chaikof, a deal-making lawyer with investing experience, to its board.
BlackBerry Ltd.'s CEO, John Giamatteo, sold 250,000 shares for over US$2.2 million between October 21-22, despite the company's stock rallying 149% year-to-date. The article also highlights recent buying activity by insiders at Canoe EIT Income Fund, G Mining Ventures Corp., and Trekor Metals Ltd., emphasizing that while purchasing activity may indicate perceived value, selling activity can be for personal reasons and total holdings should be considered for context.
BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo views AI-powered robots as a significant growth area for the company's QNX software division, which already sees robotics as one of its fastest-growing businesses. The QNX royalty backlog has exceeded $1.2 billion, driven by advanced computing systems in automotives, expanded software offerings, and the rising demand for physical AI. BlackBerry's partnership with Nvidia is also creating new avenues in robotics and industrial automation, leading to a 142% surge in BlackBerry shares in 2026.
BlackBerry shares are rising due to a renewed investor appetite for software stocks, fueled by strong AI revenue at SpaceX and upcoming earnings from IBM and SAP. The company also announced a record-breaking contract for its QNX division, which is expected to generate over $100 million in royalties and has increased QNX's future royalty projections to an all-time high of over $1.2 billion. These developments have positioned BlackBerry favorably in the market, with its stock trading above key moving averages.
BlackBerry's stock surged 6% and is up 149% year-to-date, driven by a record $1.2 billion royalty backlog in its QNX software unit, which is expanding into robotics, industrial automation, and medical devices. In contrast, automotive hardware rivals Mobileye and Aptiv experienced dips. The key challenge for BlackBerry will be converting this backlog into actual royalty revenue as automaker programs enter production.