New Delhi: TikTok is preparing to release a separate version of its platform for users in the United States, with a target launch date of September 5. This new app is being developed ahead of a planned sale to a group of American investors, as first reported by The Information, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The move follows a long and messy legal saga in the US. The Biden-era law requiring TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its American operations was signed earlier this year and later upheld by the Supreme Court. The original sale deadline was January 19, but former President Donald Trump paused the law after returning to office. The current deadline for the sale or shutdown stands at September 17.
US version of TikTok app to launch in September
TikTok is reportedly aiming to launch the new app in US app stores by September 5. The current app will continue to function until March 2026, giving users time to shift to the updated version. The Information reported that users will eventually need to download the new app to keep using TikTok in the country. TikTok hasn’t officially confirmed these plans and hasn’t responded to requests for comment from Reuters.
The situation continues to evolve under political pressure. Trump told Fox News recently that a group of “very wealthy people” are preparing to buy TikTok’s US operations and that he expects to reveal the investors’ names soon. “The United States pretty much has a deal,” he said, adding that the agreement may still need China’s approval. He also said he plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about it this week.
TikTok’s brief blackout and ongoing legal battle
Earlier this year, TikTok briefly went dark in the US when the law came into effect. However, the platform quickly resumed operations once Trump delayed enforcement. This marks the third extension of the ban under his administration; the previous ones came in January and April.
In a statement on the latest extension, TikTok said, “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.”
Political tensions and national security concerns
The core of this issue lies in national security concerns raised by lawmakers, who argue that Chinese authorities could misuse data gathered from US TikTok users. Congress passed the law demanding ByteDance sell the app, with bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance have repeatedly denied the allegations.
The deal talks have been affected by the wider US-China trade tensions. After Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing signaled it would not approve any forced sale. Though trade talks are ongoing, there’s no clear sign of how China will respond to the potential TikTok deal.
For now, all eyes are on September 5, the tentative date for the new app’s release in the United States. What follows will depend not only on American political decisions, but also on how Beijing reacts.