Apple to Restore TikTok on App Store Following U.S. DOJ Letter

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will reinstate TikTok on its App Store after receiving a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bloomberg reported. The move comes after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi urged Apple to restore the Chinese-owned social media app.

Apple and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) had removed TikTok in January following a U.S. government ban that took effect on January 19. TikTok had also briefly suspended its services in the U.S. However, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban, allowing TikTok to seek a U.S. partner and meet regulatory requirements.

Following Trump’s order, TikTok began restoring its services, ensuring continued access for users who already had the app installed. Several major U.S. tech companies, including Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), were reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in TikTok’s U.S. operations. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk was also rumored to be a potential investor.

Trump's executive order instructed the attorney general to refrain from enforcing the ban for 75 days. The Bloomberg report emerged shortly after Trump stated he could extend the delay but saw no urgent need to do so.

The decision to reinstate TikTok comes amid ongoing negotiations over its ownership and compliance with U.S. regulations. TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, remains a key player in the social media landscape, with millions of active users. The latest development signals progress in resolving the app’s regulatory challenges, potentially paving the way for a long-term solution.

This update marks a significant turn in the TikTok saga, which has seen regulatory scrutiny, political intervention, and ongoing efforts to secure its future in the U.S.