Beeper Mini, a new messaging application developed by the startup led by Eric Migicovsky, a co-founder of Pebble, was launched on Tuesday. This app provides Android users with access to Apple’s iMessage service for a nominal monthly charge. The launch comes on the heels of UK-based startup Nothing, which recently introduced a similar chat app. However, Nothing had to remove its app from the Play Store quickly due to significant backlash concerning privacy issues. Beeper Mini appears to circumvent privacy concerns by operating locally on users’ smartphones and can function without requiring an Apple ID.
A detailed technical analysis on the company’s website describes Beeper Mini as a standalone Android application. Unlike the predecessor Beeper Cloud, which relied on a cloud server for message relay, Beeper Mini operates directly on the device. The startup claims to have reverse-engineered Apple’s iMessage protocol and end-to-end encryption (E2EE), thanks in part to collaboration with “JJTech,” a 16-year-old high school student and security researcher.
This local operation ensures that neither Beeper nor Apple can access the content of messages sent to iMessage users through Beeper Mini, according to the company. Users can send messages that are distinguished by blue bubbles when viewed by iMessage users, and the app supports functionalities such as read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, stickers, reactions, voice notes, and GIFs. Additionally, it allows users the capability to unsend or edit messages.
This approach contrasts sharply with the now-defunct Nothing Chats, developed in collaboration with the firm Sunbird. That app relied on Apple ID credentials to log into a server farm equipped with Mac mini units to provide iMessage access. Following the discovery of security vulnerabilities, both companies withdrew their services.
To begin using Beeper Mini, users must download the app and sign in with their Google accounts. This step is necessary to confirm their subscription status, allow notifications for new messages, and provide access to contacts for locating other iMessage users. Furthermore, SMS access is needed to register for iMessage. The app generates encryption keys to enable E2EE for user chats.
Users will pay a fee of $1.99 per month (approximately Rs. 160) for Beeper Mini, which includes a 7-day trial period for newcomers. Should users decide to discontinue the service, they can de-register their number from Apple’s website to continue receiving texts from iMessage contacts.
Beeper allows optional sign-in with iCloud credentials, enabling messaging from an email address. This feature also facilitates sending messages via other Apple devices. The company assures users that all credentials are securely transmitted to Apple and are not stored.
It’s important to note that Beeper Mini is not open-source, which means users must rely on the company’s assurances until a comprehensive security audit is conducted. Meanwhile, Beeper highlights JJTech’s blog post, which outlines how Apple’s system functions, alongside his proof-of-concept that demonstrates similar functionalities without Apple hardware. The company plans to expand support for 15 additional chat networks as Beeper Mini evolves into the primary Beeper application, eventually replacing Beeper Cloud.
