TikTok returns on Apple, Google US app stores as Trump delays ban

On Thursday, TikTok re-entered the U.S. app stores of Apple and Google after President Donald Trump postponed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform and assured the tech companies they would not face penalties for offering or supporting it. The widely used short video application, which is utilized by almost half of all Americans, went offline for a short time last month, prior to a law that became effective on January 19, mandating its Chinese owner ByteDance to either sell it for national security reasons or confront a ban.

The next day, Trump issued an executive order aimed at postponing the ban’s enforcement by 75 days, permitting TikTok to temporarily maintain its operations in the U.S. Even though TikTok restarted its service following Trump’s promises, Google (GOOGL.O) and Apple (AAPL.O) continued to keep the app unavailable in their U.S. app stores. On Thursday, TikTok, the app that was the second most downloaded in the U.S. last year, announced that its newest version is now ready for download. Analysts suggest that the delay may have stemmed from Google and Apple seeking guarantees that they wouldn’t face prosecution for hosting or distributing the app.

Trump’s order stated that the firms operating mobile app stores or digital marketplaces where individuals can explore, download, and update applications would not incur penalties for maintaining the TikTok app. According to the market research company Sensor Tower, TikTok surpassed 52 million downloads in 2024.

According to Sensor Tower, approximately 52% of its overall downloads originated from the Apple App Store, while 48% came from Google Play in the U.S. last year. Trump mentioned on Thursday that he might prolong his 75-day timeline for TikTok. The chaos surrounding TikTok has drawn the attention of various prospective buyers, among them former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who are interested in the rapidly expanding company that analysts believe might be valued at around $50 billion.

Trump stated that he was negotiating with several individuals regarding the acquisition of TikTok and would probably make a decision about the app’s future in February.