Breaking News: TikTok Returns to App Stores After Temporary Removal

TikTok has been reinstated on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store in the United States, following a temporary removal due to national security concerns. The app was initially taken down on January 18, 2025, after its parent company, ByteDance, suspended U.S. operations in response to legislation mandating the divestment of its American assets.

This legislation, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, was signed into law in April 2024 and required ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.

BREAKING: Apple to bring back TikTok to the U.S. App Store today following a letter from Trump AG Pam Bondi, sources tell me. https://t.co/VX1lf9ZgD2

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 14, 2025

Upon assuming office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the compliance deadline by 75 days, allowing TikTok to resume operations while negotiations continue.

This extension has enabled the app to return to the app stores, providing temporary relief to its estimated 170 million American users and the numerous small businesses that utilize the platform for marketing and engagement.

Despite this reprieve, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. The company faces ongoing legal challenges and must navigate complex negotiations to address national security concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers.

Potential outcomes include ByteDance divesting its U.S. operations or forming a partnership with an American company to mitigate security risks. As discussions progress, the platform’s fate hangs in the balance, leaving users and stakeholders awaiting further developments.

Sources

TikTok returns on Apple, Google app stores as Trump delays banTikTok is back in the App StoreTrump says TikTok deadline could be extended

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