TikTok is releasing a new app for the U.S.: Will your current version still work?

In June, the White House extended the deadline for TikTok to find a U.S. buyer once again, allowing the Chinese company ByteDance to continue negotiations. Under Chinese law governing private businesses, ByteDance would be required to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban. Leaders from both parties argued that the Chinese government could access user data and took steps to force the app to shut down unless it was sold to a U.S. company.

ByteDance challenged the law in court, citing concerns related to expressive freedoms, but ultimately lost those cases. The app briefly went dark just as President Trump took office, but was quickly brought back online after he signed an order extending the period for ByteDance and a U.S. buyer to reach a deal.

Members of both parties have expressed some regret about the law—or at least about the way it was passed—noting that many small businesses and influencers rely on TikTok to make a living. If ByteDance chooses not to sell, or drags out the process knowing it has leverage, those creators could be harmed and would likely blame the elected leaders who rushed the bill through.

Reports indicate a new version of TikTok is under development

On Friday, July 4, the president stated that he believed a deal was close, although he provided no details about who was involved or when a final resolution would be announced.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that ByteDance is developing an alternative version of TikTok for U.S. users. According to reporting from The Information, which spoke with sources familiar with the development, the new version of TikTok that would be included in the sale is expected to go live on September 5, just a few weeks before the extended deadline of September 17. The current version of the app will cease to function in March 2026, according to anonymous sources familiar with the development.

This could allow the company to avoid handing over the intellectual property that helped TikTok dominate the social media landscape, instead offering a similar version that keeps some trade secrets out of the hands of new owners.

The White House also said the president would speak with Chinese officials early this week to discuss the deal reportedly in progress. On Tuesday, July 8, President Trump is expected to hold a press conference, where he will likely be asked about the status of the negotiations.

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