TikTok has made a return to Apple and Google’s U.S. app stores after President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform. The popular app, which boasts millions of users in the United States, briefly went dark last month before a new law took effect on January 19, requiring its parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a complete ban.
On January 20, Trump issued an executive order extending the enforcement of the ban by 75 days, allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the country. Despite this temporary relief, Apple and Google hesitated to reinstate the app, likely awaiting official assurances that they would not be penalized for hosting or distributing it. On Thursday, TikTok confirmed that its latest app was now available for download once again.
TikTok’s return to app stores underscores the legal and political uncertainty surrounding its future in the U.S. The delay in enforcement has also given potential buyers more time to negotiate a deal for TikTok’s U.S. assets. Among those expressing interest is Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with other unnamed investors. Analysts estimate TikTok’s U.S. business could be worth as much as $50 billion.
The legal battle over TikTok stems from national security concerns. Last April, then-President Joe Biden signed a law that mandated ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets, citing fears that the Chinese government could exploit the platform for espionage or influence operations. While TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations, U.S. lawmakers have remained firm in their push to regulate or restrict Chinese-owned apps.
TikTok was the second-most downloaded app in the U.S. last year, with over 52 million downloads, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. The report states that 52% of these downloads came from Apple’s App Store, while 48% were from Google Play. The platform’s immense popularity, particularly among younger users, makes it a high-stakes issue in both the political and business arenas.
Trump’s latest decision to delay the ban raises questions about the long-term fate of TikTok in the U.S. He stated on Thursday that the 75-day deadline could be extended further, leaving room for more negotiations and possible resolutions. As February approaches, all eyes will be on the ongoing discussions regarding TikTok’s future ownership and the broader implications for foreign-owned digital platforms operating in the U.S.
