BlackBerry phones saw a resurgence in 2016 when TCL became the exclusive global manufacturer of hardware for its devices. The KeyOne and Key2 were solid options for customers crazy about physical keyboards, and it was satisfying to see the historic brand stick around. Earlier this year, dire news was announced for the future of the brand, as TCL ended the partnership altogether. Now it looks like BlackBerry is pushing off the ground again with a new 5G device from a new partner.

A Texas start-up called OnwardMobility is licensing the brand this time, with a 5G-enabled BlackBerry phone set to launch next year. While we don’t yet know many details about the device, Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility, says he expects something that focuses on security, enables productivity, and has a “premier camera.” order”. The specs will likely be a bit lower than the usual flagship, and the prices are known to be competitive.

The device will run on Android and will offer 5G connectivity and a physical keyboard. OnwardMobility directs it to corporate customers who can improve their work productivity with (theoretically) much faster network speeds and lower latency. FIH Mobile, a subsidiary of Foxconn, will be responsible for manufacturing the hardware. The BlackBerry 5G device will launch in North America and Europe in the first half of 2021. Will OnwardMobility make the BlackBerry brand something sweet? I guess we’ll know next year if the new phone is ready for pickup.