However, BlackBerry‘s leadership dismissed the potential threat. After all, the iPhone lacked a physical keyboard optimized for email. And Apple couldn‘t match BlackBerry‘s security capabilities that encrypted data and selectively wiped devices. These were must-haves for regulated industries.
But average consumers quickly took to the iPhone‘s lush touchscreen and growing app ecosystem. It began making headway with business owners and younger professionals too.
In 2008, BlackBerry made a rare misstep with the Storm. Verizon commissioned this exclusive new phone to answer the iPhone with clickable touchscreen technology. Unfortunately, rushed hardware and software development resulted in a buggy, glitchy launch.