TikTok Is Back on App Store & Google Store After Trump Delays Ban

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Has TikTok returned to the Apple App Store and Google Play following weeks of legal disputes and national security worries? Despite these challenges, the platform’s position in the U.S. has recently improved. Yet, its long-term fate continues to be complex, forcing users and businesses to adapt to a rapidly evolving environment.

Let’s delve into the recent advancements, examine the underlying legal and political factors driving them, and discuss how these events may shape TikTok’s future trajectory.

Is TikTok back on App Store and Google store?

I’m thrilled to share that TikTok is back on Apple and Google’s U.S. app stores! This comes after its temporary removal due to a law prohibiting the app in the U.S., but it’s great news for us fans now that we can download it once more.

Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order temporarily suspending the enforcing of a ban for 75 days, thus paving the way for the return of the app. It appears that Apple and Google chose to wait for official written instructions from the Department of Justice before reinstating the app, possibly because they wanted to avoid any potential penalties. (Based on an article in The New York Times)

In April 2024, President Joe Biden enforced a rule that ByteDance must sell TikTok’s American operations by January 19, 2025, due to national security issues. This ban was later upheld by the Supreme Court on January 17, 2025. After Trump promised an extension of the deadline and protection for service providers from legal responsibilities, TikTok resumed operation. In gratitude, TikTok acknowledged Trump’s efforts in preserving their service for the 170 million U.S. users and millions of small businesses that rely on them.

However, Trump’s executive order led to uncertainty regarding TikTok’s future. Apple and Google postponed TikTok’s comeback, whereas Oracle picked up support following a temporary halt. Trump proposed that Elon Musk or Larry Ellison might acquire TikTok, suggesting a 50% ownership by the United States of America (as reported by USA Today). ByteDance maintains they cannot sell the app due to Chinese restrictions on exporting their algorithm.

By February 14th, ByteDance has approximately 50 days left to sell their U.S. assets, or else risk another ban on TikTok. This could lead to alterations in the app’s algorithm and terms of use. TikTok’s leadership appears hopeful, but the app’s fate remains unclear as President Trump works through legal procedures for either a sale or extension.

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2025-02-14 12:11