Apple and Google Restore TikTok in US App Stores, Ban Still Uncertain

Trump’s Executive Order Delays Enforcement, Future of TikTok in Limbo / Getty Images

Apple and Google have reinstated TikTok on their respective app stores, allowing U.S. users to download the popular short-form video app once again. This decision follows a statement from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi clarifying that the ban would not take immediate effect.

According to Bloomberg, both Apple and Google resumed offering TikTok on the evening of February 13 (local time), reversing their earlier decision to remove it from the App Store and Google Play Store in compliance with U.S. law. This shift comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, delaying the enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act by 75 days.

The law, passed by Congress and signed in early 2024, mandates that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. In response, Apple and Google had removed TikTok from their platforms last month. However, Trump’s executive order granted a temporary reprieve, allowing the app to remain available for now.

National Security Concerns and Political Debate

The core issue surrounding TikTok’s potential ban lies in national security concerns. Lawmakers from both parties argue that ByteDance’s Chinese ownership poses a risk, fearing that the Chinese government could demand access to U.S. user data. This bipartisan concern led to the law’s passage, aiming to prevent foreign-controlled apps from operating freely in the United States.

However, Trump’s recent actions suggest a shift in his stance on TikTok. While he previously supported banning the app, his latest decision to delay enforcement indicates a more flexible approach. He was quoted as saying, “I see TikTok differently now,” implying that his perspective on the platform’s risks and benefits may have evolved.

Will TikTok Survive in the US?

Despite its reinstatement, TikTok’s long-term future remains uncertain. The 75-day delay only postpones the decision, and unless ByteDance successfully negotiates a resolution with the U.S. government, the app could face removal again as early as April.

For now, American users can continue using and downloading TikTok, but the legal and political battle over its fate is far from over. The coming months will determine whether TikTok can secure a lasting presence in the United States or if it will once again be forced out of the app stores.