iMessage is finally available on Android, thanks to 16-year-old developer Roman Scott.

The free-to-download weMessage app supports group conversations, sending attachments, and lots more. But there’s one big catch.

Apple has already ruled out the possibility of official iMessage support on Android. It’s a big selling point for iOS devices, and the company has no intention of spoiling that. Scott has developed a workaround that will do just nicely for many users, however.

weMessage keeps you connected to iMessage

weMessage brings iMessage and many of its best features to Android. It boasts enhanced encryption, emoji, contact blocking, and customization options you don’t get on iPhone. It’s perfect for keeping in touch with friends and family who use Apple devices.

You don’t have to be that “green bubble” anymore, but there is one big caveat: weMessage only works for those who also own a Mac.

weMessage requires a Mac

That’s because weMessage cannot be used on its own; it needs an official bridge to the iMessage service, which can only be accessed by Apple devices. After installing the server app on your Mac, all messages are sent and received through that. Apple has no idea you’re using Android.

Scott says it may be possible to hack into iMessage using an exploit, which would open the weMessage server app to other platforms. But this would be breaking Apple’s end user license agreement — and it likely wouldn’t work for long.

“The iMessages need to be sent through Apple’s servers, and the only way to do this legitimately is to use an Apple device,” Scott explains. “If the weServer supported Windows or Linux, I would not only be violating several EULAs but would be relying on an exploitation that would likely be fixed in the future.”

Other apps have attempted this, and they were quickly shutdown by Apple. Scott will be hoping that by using a Mac as a bridge, weMessage will last a lot longer. It’s just a shame that you need your Mac to be online all the time for this to work.

If that doesn’t put you off, you can download weMessage from Google Play, and the weServe companion app for macOS from the weMessage website.