TikTok to Launch New App for US Users in September

Utsanjan Maity
July 07, 2025
TikTok's Big US App Overhaul: What You Need to Know

TikTok's New US App: A Complete Guide

Get ready for a significant change to TikTok in the United States. Starting September 5th, 2025, TikTok will launch a completely new app, exclusively for US users. This major update is a direct response to US government concerns regarding national security and the ownership of the popular video-sharing platform.

TikTok on iPhone

Why a New App?

The existing TikTok app, internally known as "M," will be removed from US app stores on September 5th, 2025. The reason behind this drastic move is a US law requiring the Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban. To comply, TikTok is creating a completely separate app, named "M2," which will be subject to increased US oversight and data security measures.

This new app is necessary because of Apple's App Store policies. Apple doesn't allow developers to create region-specific versions of an app within the same listing. Therefore, "M2" needs to be a completely separate app with its own App Store entry and bundle identifier.

What Does This Mean for US TikTok Users?

For the estimated 170 million US TikTok users, this means transitioning to the new "M2" app is essential to keep using the platform. After March 2026, the current "M" app will stop functioning altogether. You will need to download and install the new app, "M2," before this date to avoid losing access to your account and content.

The migration to the new app will involve the transfer of all your user data to US-based infrastructure. This is a key component of the agreement aimed at addressing national security concerns by ensuring that US user data is stored and managed within the United States under stricter regulatory control. TikTok assures users that this transition will be smooth and will maintain user privacy and security.

The Role of Oracle and US Oversight

The creation of "M2" is part of a broader plan to resolve the concerns raised by the US government. This includes transferring ownership of the US TikTok operations to a US-based entity, with involvement from major technology company Oracle. This restructuring is meant to provide greater transparency and oversight of the platform's operations, data handling, and algorithms within the United States.

Oracle's participation, along with other US stakeholders, aims to provide increased confidence in the platform’s security and compliance with US laws and regulations. This new structure is designed to address concerns about potential influence by the Chinese government.

The Timeline: Key Dates to Remember

  • September 5th, 2025: The new US-exclusive TikTok app ("M2") launches on app stores. The old app ("M") is removed.
  • March 2026: The current TikTok app ("M") ceases to function in the US. All users must have migrated to the new app ("M2") by this date.

What to Expect from the New App

While TikTok hasn't released detailed specifications about "M2," it’s expected that the functionality will largely remain the same. Users should expect the same features they are accustomed to, including video creation, sharing, following, and engaging with other users. However, there might be minor differences in the user interface or back-end infrastructure that users might not immediately notice.

TikTok has emphasized that user data security and privacy are top priorities throughout this transition. They are committed to ensuring a smooth migration process and maintaining the integrity of user accounts and content. More detailed information regarding the specifics of the transition will likely be released closer to September 5th.

Addressing Concerns: Data Security and Privacy

The transition to "M2" aims to address concerns about data security and potential access by the Chinese government. The plan is to ensure all user data is stored and processed within the US, under the jurisdiction of US laws and regulations. This independent infrastructure will be subject to the heightened scrutiny and oversight that comes with being under US ownership.

TikTok has continuously emphasized its commitment to transparency and user privacy throughout this process. The company assures users that the new app will employ robust security measures to protect user data and comply with all relevant US privacy laws. Further details regarding their data security measures are expected in the coming months.

The Bigger Picture: National Security and Geopolitics

The situation with TikTok underscores the growing complexities of international technology and the geopolitical considerations involved. The US government's actions highlight a broader concern about the influence of foreign technology companies and the protection of sensitive user data within national borders. This situation is likely to set a precedent for how governments globally handle similar concerns with technology companies from other countries.

This significant shift in TikTok's operations serves as a case study for the challenges of balancing global technological innovation with national security interests. The long-term implications of this decision are yet to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a turning point in the relationship between social media platforms, data security, and governmental regulation.

Resources and Further Information

For more information about the transition and to stay updated, follow these links:



from MacRumors
-via DynaSage