Android Users Regain iMessage Access: Beeper Mini’s Ongoing Battle with Apple

Beeper Mini, a instant messaging application, has released a new update allowing Android users to once again communicate through iMessage, as long as they have a Mac computer, according to Reddit.

This new software solution relies on Android users registering their accounts on Mac devices, linking them with Beeper Mini and Beeper Cloud applications, making it resistant to Apple’s attempts to disable it.

This solution comes as an alternative to Beeper’s previous attempt to circumvent Apple’s restrictions by using its own servers for Mac devices, enabling users to continue using iMessage on Android phones. However, Apple managed to block these servers, disabling user accounts.

Beeper Mini’s troubles with Apple started when it was launched in early December, aiming to enable Android users to communicate with iPhone users through iMessage, a feature exclusive to Apple devices.

Upon Beeper Mini’s release on Android phones, Apple promptly disabled the service’s software solution that relied on using notification push servers for iPhones to connect to iMessage servers, allowing it to pass through the service protocol instead of traditional SMS messages.

The developer company, Beeper, then came up with another method, linking user accounts with their Apple ID profiles. However, this solution was short-lived, as Apple managed to disable the service for over 60% of Beeper Mini and Beeper Cloud users.

Before Beeper launched its latest software workarounds to Apple’s iMessage restrictions, members of the U.S. Congress sent letters to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, urging them to conduct an extensive investigation into Apple’s ban on Beeper apps. They accused the American company of engaging in monopolistic practices in the messaging app market.

They argued that services like Beeper Mini would enhance competition in the app market, leading to strong competition in the smartphone market.