Less than a month after being removed from U.S. app stores, TikTok is back on Apple and Google Play, following a temporary pause on enforcement of a law requiring the app to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance.
Why Was TikTok Removed?
In April 2024, a bipartisan bill was signed into law by former President Joe Biden, mandating that TikTok divest from ByteDance by January 19, 2025, or face a ban in the U.S.
The law was upheld by the Supreme Court, which cited national security concerns over the app’s data collection practices and potential Chinese government influence.
On January 19, 2025, TikTok briefly and voluntarily shut down service in the U.S., and was removed from the Apple and Google Play stores.
Why Is TikTok Back in the U.S. App Stores?
Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Apple and Google that the law would not be immediately enforced.
On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement for at least 75 days.
A Google spokesperson confirmed that TikTok was restored, while Apple has not yet issued a statement.
What Happens Next?
- TikTok remains operational, and U.S. users can now download and update the app again.
- The ban is still technically in place, but enforcement is delayed until a potential deal is made.
- Trump indicated that multiple buyers are interested in acquiring TikTok.
- A sale would likely require approval from the Chinese government, and Trump acknowledged that China may be open to negotiations.
“We’ll have to probably get approval from China to do it,” Trump said. “I think China will be interested, because it’s to their benefit, too.”
While TikTok is back for now, the app’s long-term future in the U.S. remains uncertain. If no sale occurs within the 75-day window, the ban could still take effect, forcing TikTok to exit the U.S. market permanently.
