Was it too good to be true? Beeper, the startup that ingeniously reverse-engineered iMessage to bring blue bubble texts to Android users, is currently facing service disruptions, as reported in a post on X this Friday. It appears that Apple is the culprit behind the outage. Users, including those at TechCrunch who have access to the app, started encountering error messages while attempting to send texts via the newly launched Beeper Mini, resulting in failed message deliveries.
The error message displayed reads: “failed to lookup on server: lookup request timed out” in red letters.
Responding to inquiries on Reddit about the app’s functionality, a Beeper team member initially advised users to report problems through the app, allowing them a chance to investigate the issue. However, when TechCrunch reached out to Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky for clarification on Beeper Mini’s status, he directed them to the X post acknowledging the outage and offered more details. When asked if Apple could have found a way to disable Beeper Mini, Migicovsky confirmed, “Yes, all data indicates that.”
Migicovsky, founder of the smartwatch Pebble, has emphasized that Beeper Mini is not only beneficial for Android users wishing to participate in iMessage group chats but also enhances security for iPhone users. In a pre-launch interview, he explained that green bubble texts in iMessage are unencrypted, exposing messages to potential interception by various entities. Beeper Mini, in contrast, enhances iPhone security by enabling encrypted chats with Android users.
Apple views iMessage as a pivotal tool for retaining users within its ecosystem and has resisted launching an iMessage app for Android. Recent news suggests that iMessage will be exempt from EU regulations, reinforcing Apple’s stance. This leaves Apple with no apparent reason not to attempt to shut down Beeper Mini if it can.
Expressing dissatisfaction with this development, Migicovsky questions why Apple would compromise the privacy and security of iPhone users by trying to eliminate a service that facilitates encrypted chats between iPhones and Androids. He highlights the irony of Apple’s commitment to privacy while attempting to force iPhone users back to sending unencrypted SMS when communicating with Android friends.
Beeper, established in 2020, originally worked on a multi-platform messaging aggregator, later renamed Beeper Cloud. Beeper Mini, utilizing new technology, allows Android users to text iMessage users as if they were using an iPhone, all for $1.99 per month. Despite the startup’s innovative approach, it remains unclear how Apple managed to cut off Beeper Mini’s access, jeopardizing its future.
As Beeper evaluates its options, Migicovsky remains critical of Apple’s actions. Apple, in response, emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and security, stating that it took measures to protect users by blocking techniques exploiting fake credentials to gain iMessage access, posing significant risks to security and privacy.
The situation’s outcome for Beeper Mini remains uncertain, with Migicovsky stating, “We’ll evaluate options.”
In a statement, Apple defends its actions, citing the need to protect user security and privacy against potential risks posed by unauthorized access to iMessage. Apple claims it cannot verify end-to-end encryption for messages sent through unauthorized means.
