From later this month, Google has decided to stop providing its popular Gmail app for BlackBerry. This can be viewed as a shock for RIM as they are putting in strong efforts to prevent customer defections to handsets that run on Android and iOS.

Thus, from 22nd November, BlackBerry owners will not be able to avail Gmail facility on their devices, only those users who already have Gmail installed can continue to access and use the Google app.

On Tuesday, Google on its official apps update blog stated that the company will now be focusing on "building a great Gmail experience in the mobile browser".

RIM, on the other hand, stated that, "Since 2009, RIM has incorporated native support for Gmail in BlackBerry [operating system] 5.0 and above, which means that a separate Gmail app is not required."

RIM is already facing tough times, with delays related to product launch; its share in U.S. smartphone market rapidly falling; and their declining stock prices. On top of all, the service outage of last month angered BlackBerry users all over the world and it has been predicted that the users might shift to Apple or Android devices.