Apple Shuts Down Third-Party Apps for iMessage on Android

Apple has reportedly taken down third-party applications that allowed Android devices to send and receive messages to iMessage service, a communication app exclusive for iPhone users.

iPhones, iPads in Danger of Pegasus Spyware: Download Apple Emergency Patch to Fix Security Risk — Apple recently issued an emergency patch for its devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. A zero-day exploit was discovered on iMessage that lets malicious actors harvest all data (texts, emails, calls, photos, personal information) in a device through Pegasus spyware. GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images

Apple Blocks Third-Party Apps for iMessage

Last week, Beeper launched its reversed-engineered iMessage access which allows Android users to communicate with iPhone users with the same blue bubbles. Days after that, Apple announced that the company used blocking techniques to protect their users.

The iMessage parent company stated that they have made efforts to prevent the exploitation of fake credentials to gain access to the iPhone-exclusive app. Apple also announced that they cannot verify the messages sent through third-party apps that claim to have valid credentials.

"These techniques posed significant risks to user security and privacy, including the potential for metadata exposure and enabling unwanted messages, spam, and phishing attacks," the company explained.

Beeper Remains Firm to App's Security

On the other hand, Beeper co-founder Eric Migicovsky responded to Apple's concern, citing that security and privacy are the application's backbone. "What we did was make those conversations encrypted. And it's shocking to see a statement that's almost the polar opposite of what exactly happened," he added.

Last Friday, some Beeper Mini users shared that they could not send or receive messages using the app anymore. The company explained on X that they are already working to fix the outage.

Work continues to fix the issue causing the Beeper Mini outage. We know how hard this has been for those who loved using Beeper Mini, and we're extremely sorry for the inconvenience. We are feeling good, though, and hope to have good news to share soon.
— Beeper (@beeper) December 10, 2023

Meanwhile, Apple assured that the company will continue to make updates to further protect its users. Other companies have previously tried to make iMessage possible for Android, however, all were shuttered by Apple.