WASHINGTON, D.C. – TikTok has returned to Apple and Google’s U.S. app stores after a brief disappearance, following an intervention by President Donald Trump, who delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform.
The app, which boasts nearly half of all Americans as users, was removed last month ahead of a law that took effect on January 19.
The legislation, passed under President Joe Biden in April 2024, requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app’s U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns.
However, just a day after the ban was set in motion, Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days.
The move granted TikTok a temporary reprieve, allowing it to continue operations while discussions over its future ownership continued.
Despite the delay, Apple and Google hesitated to reinstate TikTok on their platforms, reportedly awaiting official assurances that they would not be penalized for hosting the app.
Trump’s directive clarified that neither company would face legal consequences for distributing or maintaining TikTok, paving the way for its return to the app stores.
TikTok, the second-most downloaded app in the U.S. in 2024, announced on Thursday that its latest version is now available for download.
Market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported that the app saw more than 52 million downloads last year, with 52% from Apple’s App Store and 48% from Google Play.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s fate has attracted interest from potential buyers, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.
Analysts estimate the app’s U.S. operations could be worth as much as $50 billion.
Trump suggested on Thursday that the 75-day deadline for TikTok’s sale could be extended further.
He also confirmed discussions with multiple parties interested in acquiring the app, with a final decision expected in February.
The U.S. government has never before banned a major social media platform, but the law targeting TikTok grants authorities broad power to impose restrictions on foreign-owned digital services.
Concerns over data privacy and potential Chinese government influence remain at the heart of the controversy, making TikTok’s future in the U.S. highly uncertain.
