TikTok has stopped working in America. Deemed a security risk, the app is legally blocked from operating within the US. The Chinese short video platform has been in dispute with the US government for some time and was given time to either sell the platform to a US-based firm or face sanctions. Although a permanent ban is still pending, Google and Apple have removed the app from their respective app stores.

Apple also issued a clarification regarding the removal of TikTok and several other apps from ByteDance, saying that the company is “complying with laws in its area of ​​operation.”

Clarifying on the removal of TikTok and other apps from the App Store, Apple wrote in its support page, “TikTok and ByteDance Limited apps are no longer available in the United States, and visitors to the United States will not have access to the features. There may be limited access.”

The company stressed that the removal is consistent with US law and the “Protecting Americans from Applications Controlled by Foreign Enemies Act”, which affects apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

According to Apple, ByteDance’s apps include TikTok, TikTok Studio, TikTok Shop Seller Center, CapCut, Lemon8, Hypic, Lark – Team Collaboration, Lark – Rooms Display, Lark – Rooms Controller, Goth: AI Study Companion, and Marvel Snap . Not available to users in the US on the App Store for download or updates as of January 19, 2025.

However, if users already have these apps downloaded on their iPhones, they will not be able to re-download them if they delete the apps or switch to a new iPhone, and the apps will not be restored. Additionally, some apps will not work or have limited functionality, and any in-app purchases or new subscriptions will no longer be available to US users.

For travelers traveling to the US, Apple clarifies that ByteDance’s apps will be available and functional in regions where the apps are allowed. Apple says these users in the US will not be able to download, update or make in-app purchases or new subscriptions to any of ByteDance Ltd’s apps until they leave US borders. Apps will function normally once they leave US borders.

As for TikTok in particular, the app stopped working in the US last Saturday, indicating that the ban has gone into effect in the country. However, the company is pinning hopes on President Trump, assuring users that it is actively in talks to bring a solution to restart the app once he takes office.

Now all eyes are on Trump to see what future his government decides for these Chinese apps. For now, Trump told NBC, “A 90-day extension is something that will probably be done, because it’s appropriate.” However, the final announcement will probably be made on Monday.