Business
US regulator seeks to probe Apple over Beeper Mini app shutdown

Washington, Feb 13
US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Brendan Carr on Tuesday sought a probe into Apple over the Beeper Mini app that briefly enabled message interoperability between iOS and Android.
During the 'State of the Net Conference' event, Carr said the regulator should look into whether Apple's move "complies with the FCC's Part 14 rules" about accommodating users with disabilities.
"I called for the FCC to investigate whether Apple violated our Part 14 rules by blocking Beeper Mini -- an app that enabled interoperability between iOS and Android messaging," she posted on X.
Beeper bridged the "blue bubble - green bubble" divide that Apple maintains as part of a broader set of walled garden practices that inhibit competition.
"Apple's wider set of exclusionary practices warrant scrutiny by antitrust and competition agencies, but the FCC should also examine this particular incident through the lens of our Part 14 rules on accessibility, usability, and compatibility," Carr further posted.
Beeper Mini was launched last year, allowing Android users to gain access to iMessage features.
However, Apple blocked Beeper Mini users and continued to shut down attempts to make the app work.
The FCC’s Part 14 rules lay out requirements that “advanced communications service,” such as iMessage, must follow to ensure they’re accessible.
“Apple made changes to iMessage to disable the functionality of Beeper Mini,” Carr said.
“There are many negative consequences that flow from Apple’s iMessage decisions,” she added.
Apple was yet to react to Carr’s investigation call.
#

15 minutes ago
Yudh Abhyas 2025: Indian, US soldiers conclude exercise in Alaska

17 minutes ago
As US Trade Envoy lands in India, analyst says ‘narrow’ package could deliver an early deal

18 minutes ago
Trump claims US military again strikes alleged Venezuelan drug boat, killing three

20 minutes ago
DNA evidence links suspect to Charlie Kirk's killing: FBI

21 minutes ago
Israel says it struck Hezbollah site in Lebanon, one wounded

22 minutes ago
As US negotiator arrives for trade talks, Trump's advisor Navarro says India 'coming to table'

23 minutes ago
US confirms highly pathogenic avian flu in Nebraska dairy herd

24 minutes ago
'Most degenerate newspaper': Trump slaps $15 billion defamation suit on New York Times

25 minutes ago
US Homeland Security condemns brutual murder of Chandra Nagamalliah, holds Biden administration responsible for release of accused earlier

29 minutes ago
Centre directs insurance companies to pass on GST benefits to policyholders

29 minutes ago
Manufacturing, services sector lead robust GDP growth in Q1: Report

30 minutes ago
Govt initiatives help oil companies thrive in unfavorable global environment: Report

1 hour ago
Maha CM to develop a comprehensive policy for cancer treatment