TikTok Returns to Apple's App Store

[MacRumors]

TikTok is once again available for download from the App Store, which means it can be installed on iPhones and will be able to receive updates. Apple's decision to start distributing TikTok again comes after a letter sent from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to Bloomberg, but the letter has not been shared.

Apple removed TikTok from the U.S. App Store on January 18, just ahead of when a law banning TikTok went into effect on January 19.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act that led to TikTok being removed from the App Store was first passed in April 2024, and it gave TikTok parent company ByteDance a nine month period to sell the app to a non-Chinese company.

ByteDance fought against the law, claiming that it was unconstitutional and violated the First Amendment, but U.S. courts, including the Supreme Court, were not swayed by the argument.

U.S. President Donald Trump gave TikTok a reprieve by ordering the Department of Justice not to enforce the law for a 90-day period, but Apple did not return the app to the App Store. In a support document explaining TikTok's removal, Apple said that it is "obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates."

Even with the DoJ not technically enforcing the law, it is still a law, and Apple was likely concerned about facing future penalties. Nothing has changed with TikTok as of yet, and the law continues to be in place, but the DoJ has tried to assure Apple that it will not face consequences for allowing TikTok downloads. Apple appears to have been persuaded.

While TikTok has been absent from the App Store for the last month, the social network has remained functional and those who previously downloaded TikTok have been able to continue to use the app.

The Trump administration is attempting to work out a deal that would see TikTok sold to a U.S. buyer, and Vice President J.D. Vance has reportedly been tasked with securing a deal. The Chinese government has maintained that it will not allow TikTok to be sold, which complicates the matter, plus Trump has recently levied an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.

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Article Link: TikTok Returns to Apple's App Store

 

[DMG35]

Cue the “He bent the knee” comments.

 

[neilrpiii]

Cue the “He bent the knee” comments.

What times is this a pst or a apple time because apple time makes no sense

 

[btrach144]

As a U.S. Citizen, this is the least of my concerns right now.

 

[Armeniandave]

The only reason this makes me happy is the people trying to sell their phones for thousands of dollars because they have the Tik Tok app will go away!

 

[Jmausmuc]

China called the bluff. Wow.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

So the law really is just a recommendation now huh?

 

[jz0309]

comes after a letter sent from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Do we know what that letter actually says?

 

[turbineseaplane]

So the law really is just a recommendation now huh?

What are these "laws" you speak of?
-DJT

 

[lazyrighteye]

Renames the Gulf of Mexico… Brings back TikTok... What can’t our savior do?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Renames the Gulf of Mexico… Brings back TikTok... What can’t our savior do?

Obey laws it looks like

 

[Art Mark]

I guess laws aren't really laws these days...Unless the orange one says they are...

 

[Aquaporin]

If the law banning TikTok is not unconstitutional, then either Congress has to repeal the law or the executive branch has to enforce it.

Frankly, it feels like a circus show at this point.

 

[Böhme417]

Does this even matter? The people who use it or want to use it probably already had it on their device(s). The only thing this represents is Apple bending over for Trump.

 

[mansplains]

So the law really is just a recommendation now huh?

Pretty much. Just like the prior administration steamrolling over the Supreme Court’s decision against student loan forgiveness. Among other things.

It’s pretty clear there are multiple tiers of justice. I’m certain the last administration wasn’t the first offender either.

 

[harmonthe3rd]

As a U.S. Citizen, this is the least of my concerns right now.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[sw1tcher]

If the law banning TikTok is not unconstitutional, then either Congress has to repeal the law or the executive branch has to enforce it.

Congress won't repeal it. And as you've probably seen, the Trump Admin is dismantling the DoJ, FBI, and other agencies, so there won't be anyone to enforce it.

 

[DrJR]

edit

 

[turbineseaplane]

I miss "rule of law" Republicans
You know .. the ones who held up the Constitution as a document to be cherished?

Yes - I realize that was 4 whole weeks ago ..

 

[sza]

Moronic kids will be happy since it’s the only value of there phones…

 

[turbineseaplane]

It was a witch-hunt. Everyone knows it.

This sounds like conspiracy thinking to be honest

 

[DrJR]

I hope we own half of TikTok now. That would be great! the art of the deal indeed!

 

[sw1tcher]

Pretty much. Just like the prior administration steamrolling over the Supreme Court’s decision against student loan forgiveness. Among other things.

But I thought judges aren't allowed to control the executive branches legitimate power?

 

[turbineseaplane]

I hope we own half of TikTok now. That would be great! the art of the deal indeed!

You realize DJT didn't actually write that book, yeah?

 

[JapanApple]

Well If people need Apps like this to live their daily life. So, What gets you off. Goes to show how bored or mundane people are. But not everyone bases their life on such trivial nonsense.