ByteDance’s popular social media app TikTok and video editing app CapCut are back in the Apple and Google app stores after a nearly month-long absence. Both apps have surged to the top of the App Store charts, with TikTok currently ranked as the No. 1 most downloaded app on Apple’s platform.
The return of TikTok and CapCut comes after US President Donald Trump’s executive order paused the ban on ByteDance’s apps in January. However, it was unclear whether this pause would be enforceable, as some legal experts questioned whether Trump’s administration had the power to make such a decision.
A letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi assured Apple and Google that the ban wouldn’t be enforced immediately, which led to both tech companies lifting their restrictions on hosting ByteDance’s apps. As a result, TikTok and CapCut have been restored to the app stores, with both apps experiencing significant demand.
Despite the return of TikTok and CapCut, it’s essential to note that the ban has not gone away entirely. The pause will last until April 1, after which the TikTok ban may resume unless a new deal is reached between lawmakers and ByteDance.
Users who download TikTok and CapCut now while they can do so before the ban resumes, but also be aware of the potential risks associated with using these apps, particularly if it means sideloading the app on Android phones without official support.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91279274/tiktok-and-capcut-top-app-store-downloads-return-android-iphones