BlackBerry announced that its QNX operating system is now installed in more than 275 million vehicles worldwide, a jump of 100 million units since 2020. The milestone, confirmed by Counterpoint Research, underscores the breadth of BlackBerry’s automotive footprint and the continued demand for its safety‑certified, real‑time software platform.
The 275‑million‑vehicle count builds on a steady growth trajectory: QNX was in over 175 million vehicles in 2020 and 150 million in 2019. The 100‑million‑unit increase reflects the accelerating adoption of software‑defined vehicles, advanced driver‑assist systems, and connected‑car technologies that rely on a proven safety‑certified platform. The milestone also signals that BlackBerry’s strategic pivot from legacy hardware to high‑assurance software is delivering tangible market penetration.
Financially, each vehicle equipped with QNX generates recurring royalty income, contributing to BlackBerry’s high‑margin revenue stream. In Q1 FY2026, QNX revenue grew 8 % year‑over‑year and gross margin reached 83 %, the highest in the company’s history. The expanding vehicle count therefore translates into a larger royalty base, reinforcing the sustainability of BlackBerry’s profitability and supporting its broader IoT and cybersecurity businesses.
Strategically, the milestone positions QNX as the backbone of the software‑defined vehicle revolution. John Wall, President of QNX, said the platform is “the backbone of the SDV revolution” and that BlackBerry is committed to powering the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles. Dhiraj Handa, SVP and GM for Asia Pacific, highlighted India as a strategic hub for safety‑critical software, while Mattias Eriksson, President of IoT, noted the increasing scrutiny on safety and security standards in vehicles. These comments illustrate BlackBerry’s focus on expanding QNX beyond automotive into industrial automation, robotics, medical devices, and defense.
Analysts view the milestone as a positive indicator of BlackBerry’s execution. Consensus estimates for the company’s next earnings report remain in the “hold” range, with price targets between $4.00 and $6.00. The continued growth in QNX deployments, coupled with high gross margins, supports analysts’ confidence in BlackBerry’s ability to maintain profitability and pursue further expansion in safety‑critical markets.
The announcement reinforces BlackBerry’s competitive position against rivals such as Android Automotive OS and Automotive Grade Linux. By maintaining a strong safety certification portfolio (ISO 26262 ASIL D, IEC 61508 SIL 3) and a real‑time operating system, QNX remains the preferred choice for leading automotive OEMs, ensuring a durable revenue stream and a solid foundation for future growth.
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