Speaking at the State of the Net Conference, Carr questioned whether Apple’s hasty action complies with the FCC’s Part 14 rules about accommodating users with disabilities.

Beeper Mini, the little app that could launched last year, giving Android users a taste of iMessage features, including those coveted blue message bubbles and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. But Apple wasn’t having any of it. They quickly blocked Beeper Mini users and continued to thwart attempts to get the app up and running, leading its developers to throw in the towel.

The FCC’s Part 14 rules stipulate that “advanced communications service,” such as iMessage, must be accessible. Carr argues that by crushing Beeper Mini, Apple may violate the FCC’s rule that providers “shall not install network features, functions, or capabilities that impede accessibility or usability.”

He pointed out that the low contrast on the green bubbles “makes it difficult for people with low vision or difficulty with seeing from picking up those messages.”

“Apple made changes to iMessage to disable the functionality of Beeper Mini,” Carr said.

“The FCC should launch an investigation to look at whether Apple’s decision to degrade the Beeper Mini functionality that was being provided, which again, encouraged accessibility and usability, was a step that violated the FCC’s rules.”

Carr’s concerns extend beyond just the Beeper Mini fiasco. He also mentioned Apple’s impact on the augmented and virtual reality spaces and criticised the walled garden Apple puts around its products and services.

“I think there are potentially negative consequences if Apple perpetuates a world in which it treats its proprietary technologies one way and degrades the performance of competitive ones,” Carr said.