The ongoing clash between Apple and Beeper because of iMessage has taken a new turn. Despite Apple successfully blocking Beeper Mini’s seamless integration for sending and receiving iMessages on Android, Beeper now claims that the app is operational again, albeit with a twist.
Beeper Mini operates differently in this latest iteration—you must now sign in with an Apple ID. In contrast, the previous setup automatically registered users through their phone numbers for iMessage. Beeper is working on a solution to reinstate phone number registration with iMessage. However, iMessages will be directed to and from email addresses instead of phone numbers during this transitional period. While less convenient, it still preserves the essence of iMessage functionality.
Beeper Mini is currently offered as a free service in response to the potential cat-and-mouse game with Apple. The decision to make it accessible stems from the recognition that the situation has been chaotic and the company is unwilling to subject paying users to this uncertainty. Initially, the app required a $2-per-month subscription fee. Apple’s statement on Friday emphasized its commitment to shutting down attempts to deceive its servers into recognizing Android phones as genuine Apple devices.
Beeper is also addressing Apple’s concerns regarding potential risks to user privacy and security associated with its app, which is based on reverse engineering of the iMessage protocol. The company strongly disputes these allegations and is open to sharing Beeper Mini’s entire codebase with a mutually agreed-upon third-party security research firm for analysis.
While Beeper’s security may not be Apple’s primary concern, the operation and integrity of iMessage are of utmost importance to Apple. The attempt to block Beeper Mini has garnered attention from U.S. politicians, reigniting calls for Apple to officially release an authorized iMessage app for Android. This ongoing saga underscores the significance of iMessage as a key lock-in mechanism and value-add for Apple’s ecosystem of devices.
