BlackBerry attempted to roll out its much-anticipated BBM app for both Android and iOS on Saturday, and whilst the iPhone app made its way to New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, India and the UAE, Android’s version failed to even get uploaded to the Play Store servers.

Hordes of potential Android BBM users eagerly waited all day with their phones at the ready, to download the app the instant it made its way onto Google Play. But, to no avail, unfortunately for them, after a 12 hour wait BlackBerry finally gave a statement on the status of its BBM roll-out.

BlackBerry claims the reason for the delay is due to a leaked versions of the BBM Android app being posted, downloaded and actively used by more than 1.1 million people prior to the apps official release this caused “issues” on its servers. And as a result, BlackBerry is “pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone.”

Users who have already downloaded the official BBM for iPhone app will be able to continue using BBM, however, the unreleased Android app will be disabled, so all Android customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM availability.

The full statement can be read below:

Prior to launching BBM for Android, an unreleased version of the BBM for Android app was posted online. The interest and enthusiasm we have seen already – more than 1.1 million active users in the first 8 hours without even launching the official Android app – is incredible. Consequently, this unreleased version caused issues, which we have attempted to address throughout the day.

Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM. We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone. Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. The unreleased Android app will be disabled, and customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM for Android availability.

As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM for Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone. Please follow @BBM on Twitter for the latest updates and go to www.BBM.com to sign-up for updates about BBM for Android and iPhone. These issues have not impacted BBM service for BlackBerry.

To register for official updates on the BBM for Android app – click the source link below.

• SourceBlackBerry