BlackBerry has finally revealed the date on which its popular BBM instant messaging service will be losing its exclusivity tag and make its way to Google Play as well as Apple’s App Store.

As of Sunday 22 September iPhone and Android-powered smartphone users will be able to download the app for free.

BBM will be accessible for smartphones running on Android Ice Cream Sandwich as well as Android Jelly Bean on 21 September, and iPhones powered by iOS 6 or the just-released iOS 7 on 22 September.

BlackBerry stated that BBM for Android and iOS will be updated later this year to include additional features that are currently exclusive to BlackBerry smartphone users. These include BBM Channels, which is a social engagement platform within BBM that allows users to connect with their favourite businesses, brands, celebrities and groups. BBM video- and voice calling are also planned for BBM on Android and the iPhone.

Andrew Bocking, executive VP for BBM at BlackBerry said: “With more than a billion Android, iOS, and BlackBerry smartphones in the market, and no dominant mobile messaging platform, this is absolutely the right time to bring BBM to Android and iPhone customers.”

In other mobile related news, BlackBerry recently lifted the lid on its newest addition to the BlackBerry 10 smartphone lineup - the BlackBerry Z30.