Last night, TikTok officially went dark in the United States. In addition to TikTok itself going offline, Apple also removed the app from the App Store.
Apple has now addressed the TikTok ban for the first time, saying it is “obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.”
Apple explains TikTok ban
In a statement posted to its website, Apple says:
Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.
Apple also shared the following list of apps that are developed by ByteDance and have been removed from the App Store:
- TikTok
- TikTok Studio
- TikTok Shop Seller Center
- CapCut
- Lemon8
- Hypic
- Lark – Team Collaboration
- Lark – Rooms Display
- Lark Rooms Controller
- Gauth: AI Study Companion
- MARVEL SNAP
The company explains that if you live in the United States and already have those apps installed, they will remain on your device. If you delete the apps or move to a new device, however, the apps can’t be deleted or restored. Additionally, Apple confirms that users in the United States won’t receive updates for these apps, which could “impact performance, security, and compatibility with future versions of iOS and iPadOS.”
Finally, Apple says that the apps “remain available for download in all other countries and regions where they are available.” Here’s what to know if you are visiting the United States:
Users visiting from outside the United States with their Apple Account set to a country or region that is not the United States are unable to download, update, or make in-app purchases and new subscriptions inside ByteDance Ltd. apps while within the land or maritime borders of the United States.
After leaving the United States, you’ll have access to all functionality.
Learn more about the TikTok ban in our full coverage.
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