If the evidence we’re seeing now is correct, the upcoming BlackBerry 9000 will launch with OS 4.6.0. This was previously hinted to be launching with OS 4.3.2, however that version will suffer the similar fate of rebranding like its predecessor, which was recently changed to version 4.5.0.
OS 4.6.0 has un-officially graduated from internal development at RIM and has been moved on into the official builds and carrier certification process. This same process started for OS 4.3.1 in the September / October 2007 time frame and we’ve yet to see an announcement of availability from RIM or any carrier. It has been widely reported in forums that the successor BlackBerry – model number 9000 for those who are still spreading rumors otherwise – was plagued with battery drain issues due to the inclusion of Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G, much to the shared chagrin of every other vendor who can’t seem to perfect this flaw with 3G devices. The good news is that the introduction of the carrier certification process may indicate the remote possibility that a workaround and/or resolution has been implemented for the new does-it-all device.
Only time can tell, but here’s hoping that carrier certification of the BlackBerry 9000 does not take as long as it has for the long-delayed OS 4.3.1 (err, 4.5.0).
