TikTok Returns to Apple & Google App Stores in the US
TikTok is once again available for download on Apple and Google app stores in the US, following President Donald Trump’s decision to delay enforcement of the ban until April 5.
The popular Chinese-owned social media app, with over 170 million American users, was briefly removed from US app stores last month as the deadline approached. However, Trump granted a 75-day extension through an executive order, allowing TikTok to continue operations.
Why Did TikTok Get Banned?
The TikTok ban was passed through bipartisan legislation and later upheld by the Supreme Court. The law requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to sell its US operations or face a complete ban.
The US government has argued that TikTok could be used for:
✅ Spying on American citizens
✅ Political manipulation
However, China and TikTok deny these claims, stating that the ban is based on unfounded security concerns.
Trump’s Shift on TikTok
While Trump previously supported banning TikTok, his stance has shifted in recent months.
- He now expresses admiration for the app, citing the billions of views his videos received during the 2024 presidential campaign.
- After his election victory, TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and attended his inauguration ceremony.
- Trump suggested a compromise deal, where TikTok could be jointly owned instead of being fully sold.
Who Might Buy TikTok?
Several high-profile investors have been linked to a potential TikTok acquisition, including:
- Larry Ellison (Co-founder of Oracle)
- Elon Musk (Trump’s head of the Department of Government Efficiency)
- Frank McCourt (Billionaire entrepreneur)
- Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank investor)
- Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) – The world’s biggest YouTuber claims he has investor backing for a bid.
How Did TikTok Return to App Stores?
According to Bloomberg, Apple and Google received assurances from the Trump administration that:
✅ They would not be held liable for allowing TikTok downloads.
✅ The ban would not be enforced immediately.
This led to TikTok being reinstated on US app stores, ensuring new users could download the app while awaiting further legal action.
What Happens Next?
The April 5 deadline remains in place, meaning ByteDance must sell TikTok’s US division or face a final ban.
With Trump exploring alternative solutions, it remains uncertain whether a complete sale or a new ownership structure will be required.
Related Links:
- External Source: BBC Coverage
- Internal Source: More on Tech & Social Media
