Marvel Snap Returns in the U.S. Despite TikTok Ban, but Still Missing from Apple’s App Store
The popular digital card-collecting game, Marvel Snap, is once again available to users in the United States. This development follows the widespread ban on ByteDance applications, which affected several apps, including TikTok and Marvel Snap. However, while Marvel Snap has resumed operations in the U.S., it remains absent from Apple’s App Store.
The ByteDance Ban and Marvel Snap’s Removal
Marvel Snap, published by Nuverse—a subsidiary of ByteDance—was directly impacted by the U.S. government’s sweeping ban on ByteDance apps. On January 19, 2025, the government enacted a blanket ban targeting all ByteDance-owned applications, including TikTok, Marvel Snap, CapCut, and others. This led to the removal of these apps from the U.S. App Store on iOS, rendering them inaccessible for new downloads by iPhone users.
The ban followed concerns over data privacy and national security related to ByteDance’s operations. As a result, millions of U.S. users were left unable to access these popular apps unless they had already been downloaded before the ban.
A Temporary TikTok Ban Delay
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order delaying the TikTok ban by 75 days, following a promise to prevent the app from being permanently banned. Even with this temporary measure, apps like Marvel Snap and TikTok did not return to Apple’s App Store. While the apps became operational again for users who already had them installed, there has been no reinstatement of these apps for new downloads.
Second Dinner Announces Marvel Snap’s Comeback
On January 21, 2025, Marvel Snap’s developer, Second Dinner, confirmed in a social media post that the game was operational again in the United States. In their announcement, Second Dinner revealed plans to reduce reliance on ByteDance’s publishing arm, Nuverse, as part of a broader effort to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The developer is reportedly working to bring more of its services in-house and is seeking a new publishing partner.
“MARVEL SNAP is back online in the U.S. But to make sure this NEVER happens again, we’re working to bring more services in-house and partner with a new publisher. This is the start of a new era for MARVEL SNAP.”
— Second Dinner (@seconddinner) January 21, 2025
While this announcement has sparked hope among players, Second Dinner did not disclose the identity of the potential new publisher or provide any concrete details about the transition. The team did, however, call this shift “the start of a new era” for Marvel Snap, hinting at significant changes ahead.
Still No Return to Apple’s App Store
Despite Marvel Snap’s return to operating status, iPhone users remain unable to download the game from the iOS App Store. Apple has maintained its stance against reinstating any ByteDance-related apps, citing the potential risk of a $5,000 fine per user if the apps were to violate the government ban.
Unless Marvel Snap secures a new publisher entirely independent of ByteDance, the game is unlikely to make a comeback on Apple’s platform anytime soon. This leaves iOS users waiting in limbo while Android users and those who still have the app installed continue to enjoy the game.
The Road Ahead
Marvel Snap’s return to the U.S. is a positive step for fans of the game, but challenges remain. The future of the game on platforms like Apple’s App Store depends on Second Dinner’s ability to navigate the current publishing dilemma and secure a new partner. For now, Marvel Snap players can continue enjoying the game if they already have it installed, but new downloads for iPhone users remain out of reach.
