By Michaela Gordoni
Purportedly, TikTok is building a new app for U.S. users ahead of its mandated ban or sale.
ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, aims to shut down the current version of TikTok by March 2026, but the timeline could change. Many wealthy parties are ready to buy the app, Deadline reported July 6.
Tech Edition reports the new version is codenamed M2, as the current version is referred to as M. The new launch would see the immediate removal of M from app stores. This would meet legal demands while giving users access to the platform.
The ban/sale of TikTok has been extended twice. The current extension runs until Sept. 17. ByteDance plans to launch the new app on Sept. 5.
It’s unclear whether investors or the Trump administration called for the new app.
“We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and support in ensuring that TikTok continues to be available for more than 170 million American users and 7.5 million U.S. businesses that rely on the platform as we continue to work with Vice President Vance’s Office,” TikTok said after the last extension.
Related: Creators Search for Alternative Platforms as TikTok Ban Looms
U.S. policymakers of both parties largely approved of the legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its app or face a ban. Congress had cited national security concerns within the app and violation of users’ data and privacy.
The U.S. and China have also been head-to-head over trade tariffs recently. The U.S. and TikTok were working on a deal to have U.S.-based firm for TikTok, owned and operated by U.S. investors, but that got thrown out after Trump’s administration levied harsh tariffs on Chinese goods, Reuters reported. China would not approve the deal. Presently, the countries are at a trades truce as they negotiate a large trade deal.
Last week, TikTok implemented a third round of layoffs in its U.S. eCommerce division.
“As the TikTok Shop business evolves, we regularly review our operations to ensure long-term success,” a TikTok spokesperson said. “We’ve made the difficult decision to adjust parts of our team to better align with strategic priorities.”
The introduction of a new app signals that time is running out for TikTok. After so many extensions, a decision on the app’s future must be made soon. Many users may not want to switch over to a new app, but with a following as large as TikTok’s (170 million users), there’s bound to be thousands of loyal users who won’t mind the transition.
Read Next: TikTok Ban Won’t Be Extended, Expert Says
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
- Content: +4Share:
- Content: +1