The long-standing barrier between Android and iOS users has been broken as Beeper, a messaging aggregator startup, unveils its latest app, Beeper Mini. With Beeper Mini, Android users can now enjoy the convenience of sending and receiving iMessage chats on their devices, thanks to the company’s successful reverse engineering of the iMessage protocol.
Key Takeaway
Beeper Mini brings iMessage functionality to Android users through reverse engineering, allowing for end-to-end encrypted messaging, high-resolution media sharing, and other iMessage features.
Beeper co-founder and CEO Eric Migicovsky, who also founded smartwatch startup Pebble, explains that Beeper Mini is not just another middleman app like its competitors. Instead, it is a native implementation of the iMessage protocol, eliminating the need for a Mac server as a relay. This breakthrough allows Android users to have a seamless and secure iMessage experience, mirroring the functionality of an iPhone.
One of the key advantages of Beeper Mini is its end-to-end encryption, ensuring that user messages are securely transmitted and cannot be accessed by Beeper. Similar to popular messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp, encryption keys are stored exclusively on users’ Android devices. The app solely connects to Apple servers, maintaining the integrity of the iMessage experience.
Beeper Mini offers a full range of iMessage features, including threads, replies, read receipts, direct messages, group chats, tapback emoji reactions, message editing and unsending, as well as support for stickers, GIFs, and voice notes. However, certain features such as live location sharing, message effects, and FaceTime audio and video calls are not yet supported. Despite this, Beeper Mini provides a comprehensive iMessage experience for Android users, who do not need an Apple ID to utilize the app.
While Apple could potentially take action against Beeper Mini, the company may be protected under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA 1201 F), which safeguards reverse engineering for the purpose of interoperability. Additionally, the Digital Markets App (DMA) in Europe, which promotes chat network interoperability, and ongoing antitrust efforts in the US may also deter Apple from targeting Beeper.
To gain further trust from users, Beeper plans to undergo a third-party audit, although it has already conducted an internal audit. The company also uses certificate pinning to enhance network traffic analysis. Additionally, Beeper has published over 50 projects on GitHub with the open-source code used in its app, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and security.
Beeper Mini is available for $1.99 per month, competitively priced compared to rival services. With Beeper Mini’s launch, Beeper plans to rebrand its original messaging app, Beeper, as “Beeper Cloud,” focusing exclusively on the iMessage integration. Future plans include reintegrating other messaging platforms and adding SMS and RCS support to Beeper Mini.
Beeper has generated significant interest, with 100,000 users participating in the closed beta of its multi-network chat app. The startup has also raised $16 million in funding, including investments from Initialized Capital and Samsung Next.
With Beeper Mini, Android users can finally experience the convenience and features of iMessage, bridging the gap between iOS and Android messaging platforms. This breakthrough could revolutionize the way Android users communicate and interact with their iOS counterparts.
