Up to 4 New BlackBerry Models to Launch By End of Year

Smartphone-maker BlackBerry may launch an additional 3 to 4 smartphone models by the end of 2013 according to a new report. The new models would be in addition to the BlackBerry Z10, the BlackBerry Q10, and a more budget-friendly BlackBerry Q5 that were already announced.

Though the news source originates with DigiTimes, a publication that has had a mixed track record when it comes to rumors and speculations, the information is consistent with what we’ve heard before. According to an early rumor surrounding the BlackBerry 10 operating system, it was speculated that BlackBerry, then called Research in Motion, would launch up to six new phones in 2013 with this new mobile OS. The count here, when considered with models that have launched or were already announced, would bring the tally up to 6 to 7 new devices.

“Order visibility from BlackBerry has been extended to 2-3 quarters compared to a mere one quarter previously as the Canada-based smartphone vendor plans to release 3-4 new models in the second half of 2013, according to sources in BlackBerry’s supply chain in Taiwan,” a report from the Taiwanese publication reads.

At least one of the new smartphone models that is rumored and is unannounced is rumored to be a high-end touchscreen-style successor to the BlackBerry Z10. It was previously speculated that U.S. carrier Sprint Nextel had skipped out on the BlackBerry Z10 to wait for this new model.

Another BlackBerry model that may launch would be a slider form factor that was used on the company’s BlackBerry Torch phone.