You’ll know by now that TikTok has been banned in the United States, and despite initial expectations that it would simply mean users couldn’t update the app or download it, the app went dark. But a series of remarkable things have happened as a result, including Apple issuing a support document—unheard of in the case of an app removal—and now Bytedance has said it’s back again! For a detailed explainer of how we got to this situation, read fellow Forbes contributor Ewan Spence’s excellent analysis here. Bytedance announced just hours after it going dark that it’s bringing TikTok back. Well, that was quick. So, how does this new development change things for users, and for Apple and its unheard-of support document? Read on.
First, here’s TikTok’s latest statement, made in the afternoon of Jan. 19. It said: “In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.
“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
As spotted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in a post on X, Apple has issued a support document about TikTok, titles “About availability of TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. Apps in the United States.
“Apple posted a support document on the TikTok ban. Have never seen one of these before for an app removal. But then again this is all pretty unprecedented. All this for a 48 hour ban,” Gurman said.
Of course, we don’t know that the ban will only last 48 hours, but Gurman’s post on Sunday, Jan. 19 was referring to the fact that Donald Trump will be inaugurated as president on Monday, Jan. 20 and he could reverse, or at least delay, the ban coming into effect.
And, to be clear, although Bytedance says it’s restoring service, it isn’t business as usual. First, the company didn’t have to stop the service, merely not let anyone download or update it. But the company seems to have wanted to ensure nobody got fined for doing the wrong thing.
Trump has said in the last few hours that he will “most likely” offer TikTok a 90-day reprieve, talking in an NBC News interview. “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation,” Trump said.
And the timing Gurman mentions could apply. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday,” the president-elect went on.
So now, the phoenix of TikTok is rising from the ashes and its absence from people’s phones will have been nothing more than a blip, for now at least.
The Apple support document lists the apps besides TikTok that are affected, such as Marvel Snap, Lemon8 and CapCut. “If you already have these apps installed on your device, they will remain on your device. But they can’t be redownloaded if deleted or restored if you move to a new device. In-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer possible,” Apple says. It also points out that if you’re visiting the U.S., you will be “unable to download, update, or make in-app purchases and new subscriptions inside ByteDance Ltd. apps while within the land or maritime borders of the United States.” Full functionality returns when you leave the States.
This won’t change: I have reached out to Apple to get clarification and will report back when I hear more, but my belief is that neither Apple nor Google is going to risk doing the wrong thing by restoring the app to the relevant app stores.
TikTok knows that the change of administration is important, saying in a message on the app: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
More as we have it.
