Apple Responds to TikTok's Ban in a "Unprecedented" Way for iPhone Users

As you may already be aware, TikTok has been banned in the US. Despite early predictions that this would only prevent users from updating or downloading the app, the app has completely disappeared. However, a number of noteworthy events have followed, such as Apple publishing a support page, which is unprecedented when it comes to app removals.

Apple released a support document regarding TikTok titled "About availability of TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. Apps in the United States," as noted by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in a post on X.

"Apple published a memo defending the TikTok prohibition. I've never seen an app removal like this before. However, all of this is really unprecedented. For a 48-hour ban, all of this," Gurman stated.

The fact that the ban will only be in place for 48 hours is unknown, but Gurman's tweet from Sunday, January 19, made reference to the possibility that Donald Trump, who will take office on Monday, January 20, could undo or at least postpone the ban's implementation. In a recent interview , Trump stated that he would "probably" grant TikTok a 90-day respite. Since it is suitable, the 90-day extension is something that will probably be implemented. It's fitting, you know. We must examine it closely. "It's a huge situation," Trump declared.

Additionally, the timing Gurman describes might be relevant. The president-elect continued, "I'll probably announce it on Monday if I decide to do that." In that event, TikTok's phoenix may rise from the ashes on Monday, January 20, and its disappearance from people's phones will only be a passing fad, at least for the time being.

In addition to TikTok, the impacted applications are listed in the Apple support article, including Marvel Snap, Lemon8, and CapCut. "These applications will stay on your device if you already have them installed. However, they cannot be restored if you switch devices or redownloaded if they are erased. Apple claims that new subscriptions and in-app purchases are no longer feasible. It further notes that you will not be "able to download, update, or make in-app purchases and new subscriptions inside ByteDance Ltd. apps while within the land or maritime borders of the United States" if you are traveling to the country. When you depart the United States, you regain full functionality. "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office," the app's message reads, acknowledging the significance of the administration transition. Stay See More.....