Delayed BlackBerry Classic now available for pre-order

Device will be available in December, 10 months after it was first unveiled

BlackBerry is taking pre-orders for its new BlackBerry Classic smartphone, due out December 17.

The handset was first unveiled back in February by CEO John Chen alongside the BlackBerry Passport – which went on sale in September.

Chen said at the time the device, which resembles the firms BlackBerry Bold and Curve range, would be available by November.

BlackBerry however has told Mobile News the firm has opted to delay its release to allow greater time between handsets being released.

Details on price and carriers have yet to be announced. Only Vodafone and Carphone Warehouse opted to stock the BlackBerry Passport.