News & Updates

ORONTO— BlackBerry Ltd.  BBRY -0.47%  ‘s first major phone launch in nearly two years underscores Chief Executive John Chen’s commitment to the device business. But tests loom as Mr. Chen pursues his ambitious turnaround of the company amid uncertain demand for the new phone. BlackBerry unveiled its 4.5-inch square-shaped Passport Wednesday simultaneously in Toronto, London and Dubai, touting the device’s large screen and apps geared to professionals as part of a larger strategy to win back its traditional corporate and government customers. Under Mr. Chen, BlackBerry’s ability to meet the Passport’s target launch date stood out against the delays that plagued the company’s previous global device launch in January 2013. The BlackBerry 10 phones failed to catch on in a market dominated by Apple Inc. AAPL -0.87%  ‘s iPhones and Android-powered devices. The launch also highlights Mr. Chen’s effort to reestablish the company’s credibili...