TikTok has officially returned to Apple and Google’s US app stores after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban that threatened to remove the app indefinitely.
TikTok returns to US App Store but is it temporary?
The app was previously taken down on 18 January 2025, following a law that required its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations or face a ban.
With over 170 million American users, TikTok’s removal sparked an immediate backlash, and in response, President Trump signed an executive order two days later granting a 75-day extension.
However, despite this delay, Apple and Google only restored the app now, leaving questions about the long-term availability of TikTok in the US.
In a statement, TikTok thanked President Trump, saying:
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
The delay does not mean TikTok is safe, as negotiations are still ongoing regarding its ownership.
The US government has repeatedly expressed concerns over data security, alleging that ByteDance could be forced to share user data with the Chinese government.
How TikTok’s return impacts the ownership battle
The current extension means TikTok can continue to operate, but the company still faces a looming deadline to either sell its US business or secure a new agreement with American regulators.
Several US-based tech firms, including Microsoft and Oracle, have previously been linked to a potential acquisition of TikTok’s American operations.
Despite Trump’s temporary intervention, lawmakers remain divided.
Some Republicans argue the app is a national security threat, while others believe banning it would alienate younger voters. Meanwhile, TikTok has continued lobbying efforts, emphasising its economic impact on small businesses and creators.
Adding to the chaos, the app’s removal from stores led to a bizarre market where eBay sellers were offering phones preloaded with TikTok, with some listings asking for as much as $21,000 (est. R386,000).
For now, TikTok remains available for American users, but uncertainty lingers. If a resolution is not reached before the next deadline, the app could once again be removed from app stores, setting up another major battle over its fate in the US.
