BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) has reported strong first-quarter growth in revenue and profit, but sales missed company forecasts amid concern the vendor is struggling to keep pace with rivals such as Apple. Revenue for the three months ended May 29, 2010, increased 24 percent year-on-year to US$4.24 billion and profit rose 20 percent to US$768.9 million. But sales were below the company’s own forecast of US$4.25 billion to US$4.45 billion. Despite the shortfall, smartphone shipments grew more than 43 percent over the same period last year to 11.2 million and the company celebrated its 100 millionth BlackBerry smartphone shipment during the quarter. Its subscriber base grew 60 percent year-on-year to 46 million, with 4.9 million accounts added in the first quarter. Shares of RIM fell 4.6 percent in after-hours trading last night to US$55.91.

RIM is rumoured to be on the verge of launching a new operating system, as well as a new flagship smartphone and tablet. The Wall Street Journal reports that co-CEO Jim Balsillie (pictured) said on a conference call that two significant product announcements are coming by the end of the summer. Although he didn’t reveal details, he said the timing of the releases could affect forecasts, including revenue and the average selling price of BlackBerrys. He added the devices will help drive growth and improve RIM’s competitive position in North America. RIM forecasts revenue for the second quarter coming in at between US$4.4 billion and US$4.6 billion.