Line Phases Out Support for BlackBerry and Legacy Mobile Platforms
Popular messaging app Line has officially announced it will discontinue services for several legacy operating systems, including BlackBerry OS, Firefox OS, and Nokia Asha, effective July 3, 2017. The company is also sunsetting its Windows 8 app, marking a strategic shift toward modern platforms.
Why This Move Makes Sense
- BlackBerry’s Decline: BlackBerry transitioned from manufacturing its own phones to licensing Android-based devices in 2017, reducing its native OS relevance.
- Firefox OS Discontinued: Mozilla halted Firefox OS development in 2016 after failing to gain traction in the smartphone market.
- Nokia Asha’s Fate: Microsoft discontinued the Asha platform after acquiring Nokia’s mobile division in 2014.
Key Dates and User Impact
- April 27, 2017: Line stopped allowing new account registrations on affected platforms.
- July 3, 2017: Full termination of service for BlackBerry, Firefox OS, Nokia Asha, and Windows 8.
While the decision may inconvenience a small subset of users, Line’s focus aligns with market realities. Over 220 million users rely on the app, with the majority concentrated in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia—regions dominated by Android and iOS.
Industry-Wide Shift Away from Legacy Systems
Line isn’t alone in this transition. Other tech giants have made similar moves:
- WhatsApp dropped BlackBerry support in late 2016.
- PayPal discontinued its BlackBerry and Windows Phone apps in mid-2016.
- Facebook replaced its native BlackBerry app with a web-based version after backlash.
The Bottom Line
For app developers, maintaining support for niche or outdated platforms drains resources better spent on innovation. As mobile ecosystems evolve, users on legacy systems will increasingly face compatibility challenges. Line’s decision reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing platforms with active, growing user bases.
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