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TikTok is reportedly building an American version of the company’s namesake app as it finally prepares for a deal with a US buyer.
The Big Picture: TikTok was supposed to be banned in the US in January, but Donald Trump has pushed back the deadline on the bipartisan law three separate times. Why? Because actually getting rid of TikTok is proving very unpopular (despite all the risks)… hence the need to build an American version that satisfies all the parties involved.
Behind the Code: Americans will soon need to log out of the old TikTok to log into the new TikTok.
- Internally known as “M2” (the OG TikTok is dubbed “M”), the new version is set to hit app stores on September 5th.
- The existing version of the app will disappear from app stores on September 17th — the date when the current ban extension is set to end.
- Users will be prompted to download and join the new app before the current version of TikTok is totally shut down in the US in March 2026.
Final Test: The Information reports that it’s unclear whether the creation of a US-centric version was something the Trump administration required for a potential deal to go through, or if the company was simply trying to get ahead of things. Either way, word out of the White House is that a consortium of buyers — including Oracle — for this new app has been lined up and will be announced. Now, all eyes are on Beijing to see if they approve the deal.
Prediction: If the Chinese government still doesn’t approve the deal, it could really be game over for TikTok in the US.
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