While cross-platform instant messaging makes it possible to communicate without having to look at the device, iPhone Messages, the system integrated into iMessage, They are highly desired by some Android users. Beeper Mini managed to bring these Messages to the Google operating system, but this was almost as short-lived as Nothing’s attempt for the same purpose. Of course, there are still options to emulate iMessage’s functionality on Android.

It is possible to send messages from Android to iPhone, there are countless applications for this. Even without apps: SMS is universal and reaches every phoneBe it an iPhone like Nokia 3310. Now: Only Apple devices can use the company’s own messaging, at least natively. And Apple has set out to eliminate the holes in the border: The Beeper Mini app that enables iMessage between Android and iPhone has been blocked.

Green bubbles, special stamp of the United States

On the left, message sent from an Android; correct, message between iPhone

In most countries, we have become so accustomed to the dominance of WhatsApp that it is very difficult for us to send messages by other means. Even through Telegram, another great platform that stands out in the field of instant communication. But there is one country where SMS is still common: the United States.. Not only that, but the dominant messaging platform out there is also changing: iMessage is almost the standard.

Considering the prevalence of the iPhone in the US, where it has more than 120 million active users by the end of 2022 (49% of the population, according to Statista), what is commonplace there is sending messages, not WhatsApp; SMS between iPhones (blue balloon) or between Android and iPhone (green balloon). Given the dominance of Apple mobile phones, especially among teenagers (87% of teenagers in the United States had an iPhone in October 2023), not having access to iMessage is almost a shame. Almost not even: Many teenagers are bullied at school because of green bubbles.

Considering the importance given to iPhone Messages in countries like the United States, it makes sense that Android alternatives are on the rise. A while ago, we tested Beeper, an app that is currently the best at its best, bringing most of the instant messaging, including iMessage, into a single platform. Although it has been in operation for several years, it continues to be tested; We also reached one of the first betas. And to take advantage of Nothing Chats and Sunbird’s withdrawal, Beeper decided to launch a Mini version of its service To meet the need to send iPhone Messages from the competition.

Apple did not put any obstacles in the way of messaging until the problem came to the center today. If the Beeper has been working without too many problems since 2021, the same thing did not happen with the Beeper Mini: due to its growing popularity after a high-profile launch, Apple decided to cut off access to iMessage. According to Tim Cook’s company, The blocking was done to protect users’ safety; It’s not for nothing that the only way to access iMessage is to allow third-party companies to access the user’s Apple ID, which is the master key to the account.

Although Beeper Mini is not working, the main app Beeper continues to send iPhone Messages without any problems, we were able to verify this. Although we don’t know how long it will take, Apple seems to have gotten serious about external access to its platforms.

Apple wants to keep iMessage as an argument to sell iPhones

It was recently discovered that iMessage may be compatible with Android phones; engineers were aiming for this path at the beginning of development in 2013. However, everything changed with a decision made by Apple’s executives: They wanted native instant messaging to be a point of attraction for anyone approaching the ecosystem. After all, if all of a person’s friends and family have an iPhone, that person will be more likely to buy an iPhone too so they can chat with their agenda.

While the claim of iMessage’s exclusivity is logical and valid, in a country where iPhones are the majority, this strategy can be considered monopolistic. This is the case of the United States, a country where Apple is starting to run into problems precisely because of the dominance it exercises over its platforms: The lawsuit against Epic is hurting it greatly. AND It will change an important part of the exclusivity of the ecosystem such as the App Store. iMessage’s situation seems more difficult.

Apple appears to have refrained from opening up iMessage interoperability in Europe. iPhone Messages are not the majority way to communicate in the European Union. And when RCS integrates its messaging into iMessage, it will definitely meet any government’s requirements; A step that Apple will not take until the end of 2024. Even if yes, one of the main problems – green bubbles – will remain relevant.

Beeper still has access to iMessage on Android

As long as Apple implements color separation in its local and external messaging, there will be Android apps that will try to bypass all obstacles. There is always double jeopardy: May give Apple ID to a company other than Apple and lose access to iMessage when servers are shut down. Since there are thousands of ways to instantly communicate between iPhone and Android, it’s all for what seems like a ridiculous effort at first glance.

Yes, Beeper Mini stopped working, but its developers say they will try again. And this will continue forever: Apple doesn’t find it too difficult to cut off access to apps other than iMessage.

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