TikTok Plans New App for US Users Ahead of Planned Sale
TikTok is preparing a new version of its app for users in the United States as it moves towards a planned sale to a group of investors, according to a report by The Information.
The report states that TikTok plans to launch the new app in US app stores on 5 September. Existing users will need to download the new app to continue using TikTok, although the current app will remain functional until March next year. However, the timeline may change.
US-China Discussions on TikTok Deal
This development comes as President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States “pretty much” has a deal on the sale of TikTok. Trump also noted he would begin discussions with China on Monday or Tuesday about the potential deal.
Last month, Trump extended the deadline for China-based ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US assets to 17 September, allowing more time for the sale to move forward.
China’s Approval Remains Key
Earlier this year, a plan was underway to spin off TikTok’s US operations into a separate, US-based company majority-owned by American investors. However, these plans stalled when China signalled it would not approve the arrangement, following Trump’s announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese goods.
Trump acknowledged that the United States would probably need to get China’s approval to finalise any deal involving TikTok.
TikTok Yet to Comment on New App Plan
TikTok has not responded to requests for comment, and Reuters has not been able to confirm The Information’s report independently.
TikTok’s move to launch a separate app for US users marks a significant step as the platform navigates rising regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical tensions. It is also seen as an attempt to reassure US authorities over data security concerns while maintaining its vast user base in the country.
with inputs from Reuters
