You’ll know by now that TikTok has been banned in the United States, and that initial expectations that it would simply mean users couldn’t update the app or download it, the app has gone dark. But a series of remarkable things have happened as a result, including Apple issuing a support document—unheard of in the case of an app removal.
TikTok goes dark in the United States as a ban comes into effect.
As spotted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in a post on X, Apple has issued a support document about TikTok, titles “About availability of TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. Apps in the United States.
“Apple posted a support document on the TikTok ban. Have never seen one of these before for an app removal. But then again this is all pretty unprecedented. All this for a 48 hour ban,” Gurman said.
Of course, we don’t know that the ban will only last 48 hours, but Gurman’s post on Sunday, Jan. 19 was referring to the fact that Donald Trump will be inaugurated as president on Monday, Jan. 20 and he could reverse, or at least delay, the ban coming into effect.
Trump has said in the last few hours that he will “most likely” offer TikTok a 90-day reprieve, talking in an NBC News interview. “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation,” Trump said.
And the timing Gurman mentions could apply. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday,” the president-elect went on.
In which case, the phoenix of TikTok will rise from the ashes on Monday, Jan. 20, perhaps, and its absence from people’s phones will be a blip, for now at least.
The Apple support document lists the apps besides TikTok that are affected, such as Marvel Snap, Lemon8 and CapCut. “If you already have these apps installed on your device, they will remain on your device. But they can’t be redownloaded if deleted or restored if you move to a new device. In-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer possible,” Apple says. It also points out that if you’re visiting the U.S., you will be “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.” Full functionality returns when you leave the States.
TikTok knows that the change of administration is important, saying in a message on the app: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
More as we have it.