TikTok reportedly developing a US-only version of the app

According to a new report from The Information, TikTok is developing a US-only version of the app as it moves closer to a deal with an American partner.

This action is a direct response to the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.”

Internally, the project is known as “M2” and is reportedly scheduled for a launch in early September. Following its release, American users will be required to download this updated version of the app to continue using TikTok, with a transition period lasting until March 2026.

The specifics of how this American-only version will differ are not yet known, but it is presumed to be a way for TikTok's owner, ByteDance, to maintain full control in other regions while meeting US legal requirements.

These requirements include limits on foreign ownership and control over the platform's algorithms.

The news of the new app follows President Trump’s announcement that he has a buyer lined up for TikTok, described as a group of “very wealthy people”. The proposed deal would see a group of non-Chinese investors, including Oracle, acquire a majority stake in TikTok’s US business, while ByteDance would retain a minority stake.

A law signed by President Biden required the platform to divest by January 19, 2025, or face a ban in the US. President Trump has postponed this forced sell-off three times. Any deal still needs approval from the Chinese government, which has been firm that TikTok’s algorithm cannot be sold with the app.

This separate app may be the path that allows for a sale without full access to the algorithm, satisfying US laws while separating the American operation from the main application.

While we don't have enough details to know how this will all unfold, several signs point toward a resolution that keeps TikTok available in the US.

With President Trump signaling a buying group has been nearly approved and TikTok preparing a separate US access point set to be released around the same time as the current executive order extension runs out, it appears a deal is getting closer.

If the new version can keep the engaging nature of the current algorithm, it could be a positive outcome for all involved.