Security and reliability have become the foundational pillars shaping the future of technology. As artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, advanced robotics, and medical devices grow increasingly complex and connected, the need for software that guarantees not only performance but also security and protection against cyber threats has never been more urgent. In this context, QNX, BlackBerry’s embedded software division, has announced its latest major development: QNX OS for Safety (QOS) 8.0, a platform designed to meet these challenges.
The announcement was made from Waterloo, Canada, on August 20, 2025, marking a milestone in the history of embedded operating systems: it’s the first time a next-generation microkernel system, pre-certified for safety and reliability, capable of supporting critical environments such as automotive, industrial, medical, or even defense, has been integrated.
A leap forward in embedded systems evolution
With QOS 8.0, we provide developers with a powerful foundation to build the next generation of critical embedded systems. This release reflects our commitment to functional safety and cybersecurity, without compromising performance or time-to-market.
— John Wall, COO of QNX
QOS 8.0 is not just another product within the tech ecosystem. It signifies over 40 years of experience with critical systems by QNX, whose track record has made it the trusted backbone of manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, Honda, Bosch, and Continental.
This system is engineered under the strictest safety standards worldwide, including ISO 26262 ASIL-D (automotive), IEC 61508 SIL3 (industrial systems), IEC 62304 Class C (medical devices), and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards. It is also designed as a Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), allowing integration into mission-critical environments as a certified independent component, thereby reducing manufacturers’ certification times.
Why QOS 8.0 matters in today’s world
Emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are demanding embedded systems that are not only fast and efficient but also resilient against failures and cyberattacks.
Modern applications require real-time operation and must pass increasingly complex audits and certifications. QOS 8.0 was built to fill this gap: providing a robust, flexible, and scalable system that allows manufacturers to focus on their differentiation without reinventing the security and reliability wheel.
According to Chris Rommel, VP of VDC Research:
Today’s software-defined systems need development platforms that serve as foundations for security, innovation, and efficiency. QOS 8.0 offers precisely that: a system prepared to meet the demands of the coming years.
The key: a next-generation microkernel
At the core of QOS 8.0 is its advanced microkernel, an evolution of QNX SDP 8.0, optimized to leverage new silicon architectures.
Key features include:
- Strict real-time operating system, essential for critical applications where delays are unacceptable.
- Certified C/C++ tools compliant with standards like ISO 26262 TCL3 and IEC 61508 TL3, ensuring development within safe environments.
- Dual-loop design: a closed loop manages IT equipment cooling, while an open loop can utilize different water sources (fresh, salt, recycled, or industrial) for heat dissipation, ensuring efficiency in any context.
- Compatibility with various liquid cooling methods (direct-to-chip, immersion, rear-door), making it adaptable for data centers and industrial settings.
Additionally, this system eliminates the need for traditional modules such as CRAHs or CRACs, reducing costs, space, and operational complexity.
Applications in key sectors
QOS 8.0 isn’t a generic product; it’s tailored for sectors where failure isn’t an option:
- Automotive: a pillar in advancing towards autonomous vehicles, where functional safety (ASIL-D) is mandatory.
- Industrial robotics: enables coordination of systems in smart factories with minimal latencies.
- Medical devices: from diagnostic tools to surgical robots, QOS 8.0 provides the reliability needed to ensure patient safety.
- Defense and aerospace: in environments where resilience against cyberattacks and uninterrupted operation are critical.
It’s no coincidence that over 255 million vehicles worldwide already incorporate QNX technology in their software. With QOS 8.0, this number is set to grow as manufacturers continue electrification and digitalization initiatives.
Canadian-led innovation
BlackBerry, once synonymous with secure smartphones, has successfully transitioned into a key player in critical digital infrastructure. Through QNX, its strategic division, the company has shifted from manufacturing mobile devices to leading in embedded security software across industries.
This release reaffirms that strategy: investing in software that protects lives and systems in our hyperconnected world.
A growing market
The market for critical embedded systems continues expanding. According to VDC Research, global demand for certified safety software could surpass $40 billion annually by 2030, driven by the shift toward software-defined systems in automotive, healthcare, industrial, and energy sectors.
With QOS 8.0, QNX reinforces its leadership in this segment and sends a clear message to competitors: security is non-negotiable, and extensive experience matters more than ever.
Conclusion
The launch of QOS 8.0 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of embedded operating systems. QNX has managed to combine three qualities few companies can offer simultaneously: certified security, real-time performance, and industrial versatility.
In an era where AI, robotics, and mobility are reshaping the global economy, this OS functions as the invisible backbone enabling millions of devices to operate securely, reliably, and efficiently.
Rapid technological progress demands security and trust—without them, there’s no future. QOS 8.0 reminds us that every innovation must stand on a solid foundation capable of withstanding any challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is QNX QOS 8.0?
It’s the latest version of BlackBerry QNX’s real-time operating system, designed for critical applications requiring maximum safety, reliability, and compliance with international standards.In which sectors will it be used?
Primarily in automotive, industrial robotics, medical devices, defense, and aerospace—also applicable in energy and telecommunications.What sets QOS 8.0 apart from other embedded OS?
Its next-gen microkernel, pre-certified safety features, compatibility with various cooling methods, and focus on functional safety and cybersecurity make it a unique solution.Why is it important for the automotive industry?
Because it supports the highest safety levels (ASIL-D), essential for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles, where failures can cost lives.
Sources: BlackBerry