TikTok returns to US Apple and Google app stores after Trump's ban delay

Social media platform TikTok has returned to the US app stores of Apple and Google. This follows former US President Donald Trump delaying his ban on the platform until April 5th and assuring the two tech giants that they would not be penalized for distributing or maintaining the Chinese application.

TikTok, which has 170 million users in the United States, began restoring its service on the Apple and Google app stores on Thursday local time. This comes after weeks of the app being removed from US app stores, with President Trump promising to restore its operation. Last month, President Trump's executive order delayed the ban on the app for 75 days, allowing ByteDance-owned TikTok to temporarily continue operating in the US.

The directive specifically stated that companies operating mobile app stores or digital marketplaces, where users can browse, download, and update applications, would not face penalties for keeping the TikTok application running. This meant the app was down in the US for no more than 24 hours, after which the platform announced on January 20th that it would restore its service. Other ByteDance-owned applications, such as CapCut and Lemon8, were also briefly removed from app stores last month.

Prior to his inauguration, President Trump also proclaimed on his Truth Social platform that he wanted "the United States to own 50% of TikTok's operating joint venture." He posted on Truth Social on January 19th, stating, "No TikTok without US approval. With our approval, it will be worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe even trillions."

According to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, TikTok was the second most downloaded application in the US in 2024, with over 52 million downloads. Sensor Tower stated that approximately 52% of TikTok's total downloads in the US last year came from the Apple App Store, and 48% came from Google Play.

President Trump said on Thursday that his 75-day delay of the TikTok ban could be extended, but he didn't think it would be necessary. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he stated that he still wanted a deal to be reached on TikTok to keep the app alive in the US and believed the app helped him win the 2024 presidential election. When asked if the deadline was approaching, Trump said, "Well, I have 90 days, starting from about two weeks ago, and I believe it can be extended. But let's see what happens. I don't think you need an extension." It remains unclear what he was referring to with the 90 days.

President Trump also stated that many people were interested in acquiring the social media company and suggested that its image had changed since the 2024 election. He believes the app is fair and useful in attracting younger voters. He believes Chinese President Xi Jinping would agree to approve the sale of TikTok to an American buyer because it is in China's interest. He did not reveal any details, only saying, "I will make it worthwhile for China to do it. I think it's good for China to make a deal."