Nearly a week has passed since TikTok was removed from both Apple and Google’s app stores, and it is still unavailable for download. The app’s absence comes after the implementation of the US ban-or-divest law last weekend, which effectively made TikTok inaccessible in the United States. Although the service resumed operation shortly after the ban was enforced, it did not return to either of the mobile stores.
The risks for Apple and Google
The removal of TikTok from the app stores is linked to potential legal consequences for Apple and Google. If either company were to allow TikTok back into the store, they could face billions of dollars in fines. It remains uncertain whether an executive order from President Donald Trump, which declined to enforce the ban, has resolved the legal risks for the tech giants. Despite this, Apple and Google have refrained from commenting on the matter.
Both companies have issued statements about removing TikTok and other apps owned by ByteDance, such as Lemon8 and Marvel Snap. However, beyond these general statements, no further information has been shared about when TikTok might be reinstated.
What this means for TikTok users
The app usually functions for users who already had TikTok installed on their phones before the ban. However, anyone looking to install TikTok on a new device will face difficulty. The app is currently unavailable on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it impossible to download without finding alternative methods. Additionally, TikTok will not be able to deliver updates through the stores, meaning new features, bug fixes, or security updates cannot be rolled out for now.
In the meantime, those who wish to use TikTok can still access it via a web browser, including on their phones. However, without the app’s presence in the app stores, it’s much harder for new users to join the platform, and existing users can no longer benefit from new features or security improvements unless they access it online.
Developers make hopeful predictions
TikTok itself has not responded to requests for comment on the situation. However, Second Dinner, the developer behind Marvel Snap, shared on Friday evening that they expect the app to return to the stores as early as next week, barring any setbacks. Co-founder Ben Brode further noted that the team hoped to have the app back in time for next month’s updates, though no specific details were provided.
The app’s future on Apple and Google’s platforms remains uncertain. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how long it will take before TikTok is reinstated and whether or not the risks for Apple and Google will be cleared.
