Out with BlackBerry, in with Apple?

Rumours that the U.S. Department of Defence has produced a pending purchase order for 650,000 iOS devices have come under scrutiny, but does the news leave BlackBerry out in the cold?

After previously opening up it's exclusive BlackBerry contract to other competitors late last year, the U.S. government looks set to go all-Apple according to Electronista, following mobile device testing of the product.

According to the website, the breakdown of the order is as follows: 120,000 iPads, 100,000 iPad minis, 200,000 iPod touches and 210,000 iPhones.

The move would suggest BlackBerry's relationship with the government redundant, yet that doesn't appear to be the case.

A DoD spokesperson told PC Magazine in America that the figures didn't add up, casting doubt on the claims.

"Our mobility experts are looking into what has been reported," he said, "And are not familiar with the figures quoted in that report/article.

"The Department is aware of recent reporting that asserts it is 'dropping' BlackBerry.'

"This reporting is in error. The Department recently released its mobility strategy and supporting implementation plan, which clarifies we are moving towards a mobile management capability that supports a variety of devices, to include BlackBerry."

At present, the DoD has nearly half a million BlackBerry devices in use, none of which are supported by the BlackBerry 10 operating system however.

The DoD's dismissal of the claims will no doubt hearten BlackBerry, but this could merely be a case of keeping things under wraps until the deal goes through.

In what has been a very BlackBerry orientated week, how ironic that recent put-downs of iOS and Apple products by CEO Thorsten Heins should see both companies competing for a mega deal.

The DoD estimates there will be at least eight million smartphones in service over the next three years, but whether they will be BlackBerry Z10's or Apple iPhone 5s, remains to be seen.

Should the DoD favour Apple over BlackBerry? Or not? Can they incorporate both? Tell us your thoughts below