Blackberry 10 Launching In March 2013, Qwerty Device Following In June

Research In Motion has promised to launch its Blackberry 10 smartphone in Q1 2013, and a new estimate from the Boston-based brokerage firm Detwiler Fenton is pointing to a March release for the company’s first new smartphone. According to the report, the first devices will launch in March and June.

According to the analysis, the first Blackberry 10 device will not feature a Qwerty keypad and will go on sale at AT&T and T-Mobile in the United States. In May, Verizon Wireless and Sprint Wireless will release the device, according to Forbes.

Detwiler analysts write:

“RIM’s stock has been on a tear recently thanks to a number of upgrades and optimism surrounding its upcoming BB10 platform … However, as we dig a little deeper, there appears to be a few issues that could set up for some disappointing numbers in the 2013 first half.”

Following the company’s initial touchscreen only device, RIM will release its first Blackberry 10 smartphone with a Qwerty keypad in June.

The firm adds:

“Therefore, it is possible RIM’s February quarter may only see a very small number of BB10 sales with the May quarter also coming in light due to limited QWERTY keyboard shipments and limited shipments to Sprint and Verizon. It’s our opinion RIM will ship approximately 400,000 BB10 units in the February quarter and 2.2 million to 2.5 million units in the May quarter. While this is clearly a North American / developed market view, we think this is the right way to look at the 2013 first half because the initial BB10 handsets are higher end and not targeted for emerging markets.”

RIM has not confirmed the launch rumors, only stating that it would offer official details during its global launch event on January 30.

Other sources are claiming that the Blackberry 10 Qwerty-based smartphone will launch well ahead of the rumored June release date provided by Detwiler Fenton.