TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is reportedly building a new, US-only version of its popular video app as it scrambles to meet a looming sale deadline. According to a report from The Information, the company plans to launch the new app on September 5 to comply with a US law that requires it to sell its American operations or face a nationwide ban.
This move would mean big changes for American users. The plan is for the new app to replace the current version of TikTok in US app stores. While the old app may continue to work for a while—possibly until next March—users will eventually need to download the new one to continue scrolling.
This marks the latest chapter in the ongoing drama surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States. A law signed last year gave ByteDance a deadline to sell its US business, which President Donald Trump has since delayed several times. The current deadline for a sale is September 17.
President Trump recently said that a buyer is already in place, describing them as “a group of very wealthy people.” However, the deal faces a major hurdle: it will likely need approval from the Chinese government. Trump admitted he was “not confident” that China would give its blessing, and Chinese officials have so far dodged questions about the potential sale.
