TikTok and ByteDance Apps Face Uncertain Future on US App Stores
Despite former President Trump’s temporary delay of the federal TikTok ban, the popular video-sharing app and other ByteDance-owned platforms are unlikely to return to the App Store or Google Play anytime soon. Here’s what we know so far.
The Federal Ban on ByteDance Apps
On January 19, 2025, the U.S. government enacted a sweeping ban against all ByteDance applications under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This includes popular apps such as TikTok, CapCut, Marvel Snap, and Lemon8. A day later, President Trump signed an executive order postponing the enforcement of the ban for 75 days, giving ByteDance a short window to divest TikTok’s ownership to a U.S.-based company.
However, even with the delay, TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps remain inaccessible on both the App Store and Google Play in the United States. According to a new Apple support page, this situation is unlikely to change.
Apple’s Compliance with the Ban
Apple, like other companies operating in the U.S., is required to comply with federal laws in all jurisdictions. As per the recent legislation, any app developed by ByteDance or its subsidiaries, including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others, can no longer be downloaded or updated by U.S. users starting January 19, 2025.
Here’s the full list of affected apps:
- CapCut
- Gauth: AI Study Companion
- Hypic
- Lark – Rooms Display
- Lark – Team Collaboration
- Lark Rooms Controller
- Lemon8
- MARVEL SNAP
- TikTok
- TikTok Shop Seller Center
- TikTok Studio
What This Means for Current Users
If you currently have any of these apps installed on your device, you’ll still be able to use them within the U.S. However, if you delete the app or switch to a new device, you’ll be unable to redownload it. In-app purchases and new subscriptions have also been disabled, further limiting functionality.
This move is the latest in a long-standing battle between the U.S. government and ByteDance, which began during President Trump’s administration in mid-2020.
The History of the TikTok Ban
The TikTok ban initially seemed to be off the table during the early years of the Biden administration. However, in April 2024, President Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s ownership to a U.S.-based company within nine months. ByteDance has since made it clear that it would rather shut TikTok down entirely than sell it to a U.S. buyer.
On January 19, 2025, the ban officially went into effect, but former President Trump delayed its enforcement upon taking office the next day. The 75-day delay was meant to give ByteDance additional time to finalize a divestiture. As of now, there’s no indication that negotiations for TikTok’s sale to a U.S. company have progressed.
The Debate Over Divestiture
The push for ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. entity raises questions about property rights. While the federal government can acquire private property through eminent domain, this typically requires the property to be for public use and for fair compensation to be provided. However, because the requirement is for ByteDance to divest ownership to a U.S. buyer — who would likely maintain TikTok as private property — this situation doesn’t fully align with eminent domain criteria.
ByteDance’s ownership structure adds another layer of complexity. Although the company was founded by Chinese entrepreneurs, China does not hold a majority stake. According to TikTok’s newsroom, nearly 60% of TikTok is owned by institutional investors such as BlackRock, General Atlantic, and The Carlyle Group. The remaining ownership is split evenly between ByteDance’s founders and its global employees.
What’s Next?
The future of TikTok and other ByteDance apps in the U.S. remains uncertain. With the ban now in effect and no signs of progress on a divestiture deal, it appears these popular platforms may remain unavailable on U.S. app stores for the foreseeable future.
Via Apple Insider.
