Apple won't return TikTok in App Store, here’s why!

In Short: Despite President Trump’s recent executive order granting a 75-day extension for TikTok to secure a U.S. buyer, Apple has stated that it will not reinstate TikTok on the App Store until the platform is sold to an American company.

According to Apple Support, this decision aligns with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which mandates the removal of apps developed by ByteDance, including TikTok, from U.S. app stores as of January 19, 2025. 

Consequently, new users in the U.S. are unable to download or update TikTok, and existing users can only access the platform through its web version.

So,

Will TikTok be back in the Apple App Store?

Yes, TikTok will get back to Apple App Store soon after ByteDance (TikTok parent company) agrees to sell the app to a U.S. buyer.

However, the companies facilitating TikTok’s distribution during this period face potential liabilities amounting to $850 billion, based on a $5,000 penalty per user, as stipulated by the Act.

While TikTok is in the process of restoring services to U.S. users, its availability on major app stores remains contingent upon a change in ownership to a U.S.-based entity.