TikTok’s Future Uncertain as US App Stores Keep It Off the Shelves

TikTok has resumed operations in the United States following an executive order by President Donald Trump, but the app remains unavailable on Apple and Google’s app stores. The tech giants’ hesitancy reflects ongoing legal and political uncertainties, casting doubt on the app’s future functionality for US users.

A Contentious Return

TikTok was pulled from US app stores on 19 January due to legislation that banned companies from distributing or updating the app unless ByteDance, its Beijing-based owner, sold its US operations. However, Trump’s executive order, signed shortly after his return to the White House, temporarily suspended enforcement of the ban for 75 days.

Despite this reprieve, Apple and Google have yet to reinstate the app on their platforms, citing potential legal exposure and uncertainty about the executive order’s long-term enforceability.

Legal and Security Concerns

Experts suggest the executive order offers limited legal protection. Saurabh Vishnubhakat, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law, explained that courts might allow a temporary suspension of enforcement but are unlikely to tolerate a “wholesale repudiation” of the law.

Assistant law professor Elettra Bietti noted that third parties could still face lawsuits from non-state entities, even if the Department of Justice (DoJ) refrains from prosecuting companies for non-compliance with the legislation.

Apple and Google’s caution also stems from concerns over potential security vulnerabilities. Without app store updates, TikTok could malfunction as operating systems evolve. Steven Murdoch, a professor at University College London, warned, “If updates cannot happen, the app could malfunction or no longer work at all.”

Trump’s Role in the TikTok Saga

Trump has publicly encouraged a sale of TikTok’s US operations. He has suggested Oracle founder Larry Ellison as a potential buyer, describing such a deal as a “good opportunity.” Reports have also linked YouTube star MrBeast to discussions about acquiring TikTok.

China has shown some openness to a potential sale, with its foreign ministry indicating companies should decide independently on their operations. However, ByteDance retains control of TikTok’s global operations and runs a separate version of the app, Douyin, in China.

A Wait-and-See Approach

Apple and Google’s current stance means that US users cannot download TikTok if they previously deleted it, nor can ByteDance update the app to fix bugs or address security concerns. Used phones with TikTok pre-installed are already appearing on resale platforms, demonstrating the app’s popularity despite its precarious position.

For now, both tech giants seem to be waiting for a legally unambiguous resolution. Republican Senators Pete Ricketts and Tom Cotton have praised Apple and Google’s caution, warning that companies violating the law risk “ruinous bankruptcy.”

Broader Implications

TikTok’s absence from app stores raises broader questions about the intersection of tech, geopolitics, and security. As Trump pushes for a sale to resolve the app’s legal limbo, Apple and Google’s reluctance underscores the difficulty of navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

The situation remains fluid, with TikTok’s long-term future in the US hinging on whether ByteDance agrees to a sale—and whether that sale satisfies legal and political stakeholders on all sides.