The developer of Beeper Mini has just released an updated version of its standalone Android app, which it claims allows users to bypass the block introduced by Apple over the weekend.
The app is specifically built to send and receive blue bubble messages on Apple’s iPhone, and the latest version was released to the Google Play Store a few hours ago.
There is obviously uncertainty as to how long the app will continue to work, and the developer has made it free to use, reflecting the understanding that the situation is “disruptive” to users. There will no doubt be more confusion before this situation is somehow resolved.
A previous version of the application was launched last week as the latest in a series of apps that claim to allow Android users to message Connections on their iPhones via the iMessage platform’s long-awaited blue bubble.
Previous attempts have relied on various relay methods, including using racks of Mac Mini computers and banks of elderly people’s iPhones. Beeper Mini is connected directly to Apple’s servers. There was no need to even access the customer’s Apple account. Instead, it relied on reverse engineering the iMessage protocol and encryption.
However, this first run of the service did not last long. Apple’s own messaging platform is one of its crown jewels, a convenient way to lock users into its ecosystem. Shortly after Beeper’s debut, reports surfaced that the app was no longer working.
Developer reported a power outage on Friday.. Last weekend, Apple confirmed that it had taken steps to shut down Beeper parties, and indicated that it would continue to do so.
Beeper claims its solution is secure and that neither it nor Apple can see the contents of users’ messages. But Apple clearly doesn’t see things that way.
Beeper boss Eric Migikowski responded to a question on social media about whether this is going to be a never-ending game of cat and mouse. declared: “Beeper Cloud and Mini are apps that need to exist. We built it. We’ll keep using it. We’ll share it widely.”
The timing is unfortunate. Apple’s iMessage could be exempted from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations as it is not deemed popular enough with business users, according to reports.
If this exemption passes, it would eliminate the need for iMessage to be interoperable with other services, although it is by no means a certainty. But Apple’s steadfast determination to keep the service closed may not sit well with regulators.
Beeper’s Android app is a fork of Element, and the developer said it plans to add support for the Matrix protocol in the future, but those plans are likely to fail in the face of Apple’s actions. .
Matthew Hodgson, CEO of Element, said: register: “Apple’s choice to reject Beeper’s reverse-engineered interoperability is surprising, given that EU digital market law is likely to eventually require Apple to provide open interoperability.” That’s unfortunate. Let’s hope Apple doesn’t get any more defensive because of it. They’re going to open up their services.”
US Senator Elizabeth Warren weighed in on the debate. claimed: “Green bubble text is less secure. So why would Apple block a new app that lets Android users chat with iPhone users on iMessage? Big Tech executives crush competitors This protects profits.
Really, why?
“Chatting across different platforms should be easy and secure.”
Apple appears to have bowed to pressure last month And, at Google’s request, it has committed to adopting the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard. However, RCS messages appear green on the iPhone, just like SMS messages do today, creating clear, or rather blue, water between the iPhone and the iMessage platform.
Regardless of how long Beeper can play cat-and-mouse with Apple, the iPhone maker’s weekend moves indicate that Apple has no intention of bringing iMessage to other platforms and will actively thwart other companies’ attempts. Intend. So.
While the company is certainly within its rights, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Apple to dodge the question of whether this is to protect its users or its bottom line. there is. ®