U.S. TikTok subsidiary to launch fresh app in September, according to media reports
In the ongoing saga of TikTok's US operations, the future is still shrouded in uncertainty. The Chinese government has signalled its objection to the previously negotiated spin-off of TikTok's US business, throwing a spanner in the works of a deal that was intended to result in a company majority-owned by US investors.
The negotiations, which have been underway since early 2025, initially involved several potential buyers, including Elon Musk, a consortium led by Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary, Steve Mnuchin, YouTuber MrBeast, and former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. However, the seriousness and concrete progress of these bids remain unclear.
The Chinese government's objection to the spin-off is a response to the tariffs on Chinese goods announced by former President Donald Trump. If the sale does not occur, TikTok could face a ban in the US, a move that could significantly impact its user base, particularly among young people who have shown a strong affinity for the app, including during Trump's presidential campaign.
In the meantime, TikTok is actively developing a new version of its app for the US market, codenamed "M2," with a planned launch date of September 5, 2025, pending final approval by TikTok’s management. This new app is intended to replace the existing TikTok app in the United States amid ongoing concerns and regulatory pressure.
The Biden administration had previously mandated ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to either divest TikTok’s US operations or cease operations by January 19, 2025. While the app has not been banned outright, there is significant pressure to finalize a sale to a group of investors, described as "a group of very wealthy people" by Trump.
On the diplomatic front, the Chinese government has stated it will comply with Chinese laws and regulations regarding TikTok, implying that any sale or structural change must align with China's legal framework. This adds complexity to the sale process, as negotiations continue to balance US national security demands and Chinese regulatory compliance.
As the situation remains dynamic, updates on the new app launch and sale are expected in the coming months. For now, TikTok's US business is preparing for a spin-off, with the Chinese government reserving the right to have the final say. Trump has extended the deadline for the sale three times since his inauguration and may speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping or one of his representatives about the sale. The conflict over the forced sale of TikTok's US business is a point of contention between the US and China, with no resolution in sight.
- The Commission, amidst the ongoing TikTok US operations saga, has been tasked to present a financial proposal for a directive aiming to safeguard workers from the risks linked to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the future of the business remains uncertain.
- In the realms of politics and business, the Chinese government's objection to the TikTok US spin-off stands as a response to the general-news issue of tariffs on Chinese goods, announced by former President Donald Trump.
- As technology continues to evolve, TikTok is entering a new phase with the development of an updated app version, code-named "M2," set to launch in September 2025. This move aligns with the ongoing need to comply with regulatory pressures and expectations, as negotiations regarding the sale of TikTok's US business continue to unfold.
