Apple and Google revealed on Thursday that TikTok can once more be accessed in their US app stores.
The widely used short-video sharing application, owned by the Chinese tech firm ByteDance, was taken down from both stores on January 18, just hours before a ban was scheduled to be enacted.
It stayed inaccessible for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play until Thursday, but users who had previously downloaded the app could still access it.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump stated that there is “significant interest” in TikTok as his administration aimed to negotiate a deal for its sale.
“STRONG FASCINATION WITH TIKTOK!” “It would be great for China and everyone involved,” Trump expressed on his Truth Social platform.
He previously stated that “many individuals” will be competing to acquire TikTok.
Following his oath of office on Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order aimed at postponing the app’s ban for 75 days.
TikTok is under US investigation due to national security worries, with legislation mandating ByteDance to sell its stake in the app or risk being banned.
The app’s return to Apple and Google’s platforms means new users can now download it again, while those who had previously installed it will continue to have access without restrictions. ByteDance has not made any official statement regarding the decision, but sources suggest ongoing discussions between the company and US authorities.
Since its removal from app stores, TikTok has remained a focal point in tech and political discussions. The app has a massive user base in the US, with millions relying on it for entertainment, content creation, and business promotion. Its temporary absence from app stores led to uncertainty among users, but the latest development suggests that, for now, it will remain accessible.
TikTok has continued operating normally despite the removal, with users able to post, view, and interact with content. The only limitation was for those attempting to download the app for the first time or reinstall it. With the app now restored, new users can join the platform again.
While the return of TikTok to the app stores marks a significant update, its long-term future in the US remains uncertain as legal and regulatory proceedings continue. ByteDance has faced pressure to sell its US operations or implement changes that address national security concerns. However, no final decision has been reached on the matter.
For now, TikTok remains one of the most popular social media platforms in the US, and its availability in app stores ensures that users can continue engaging with content without disruptions.
