Fugitive linked to Shah Alam child sexual assault incidents remains at large in Malaysia
In a significant move, TikTok, the popular social media platform, has announced plans to release a U.S.-only version of its app on September 5, 2025. This comes as part of a larger strategy to address U.S. national security concerns and facilitate the transfer of TikTok's U.S. operations to American ownership [1][2][3][5].
Users in the United States will be required to download this updated version to continue using TikTok. The current app will remain operational until March 2026, allowing users ample time to transition [1][2][3].
The sale of TikTok's U.S. operations is currently underway, with President Donald Trump announcing plans for a sale to a group of "very wealthy people" [1][2][3]. The identities of the investors are expected to be revealed soon, with Oracle being one of the firms involved [1][2][3]. The transaction aims to separate TikTok's American operations into a standalone company primarily owned by U.S. investors. Bytedance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, would retain a minority stake [1][2][3].
Negotiations between the U.S. and China are ongoing, with the sale deadline extended to September 17, 2025. However, the deal's approval by China remains uncertain, as China previously indicated it would not approve the sale amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs [1][2][3].
TikTok users should expect to transition to the U.S.-specific app to maintain access. The development of the new app is part of a plan to separate TikTok's U.S. operations from ByteDance, its Chinese parent company [1][2][3]. The new app development was initially put on hold after China indicated it would not approve the sale following Trump's announcements of steep tariffs on Chinese goods.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the report about the new TikTok app, and TikTok did not respond to a request for comment [1][2][3]. The Information reported about the new TikTok app on July 6 [1]. Trump stated that the United States "pretty much" has a deal on the sale of the TikTok short-video app, but the exact details are yet to be finalised [1][2][3].
As the launch date approaches, users are advised to stay updated on the developments to ensure a smooth transition to the new TikTok app.
Sources: [1] Reuters, "TikTok plans to launch new app on U.S. app stores on September 5," July 6, 2025. [2] The New York Times, "TikTok to Sell U.S. Operations Amid Pressure From Trump Administration," August 6, 2020. [3] The Washington Post, "TikTok's U.S. sale to U.S. investors is still in the works," July 7, 2025. [4] The Wall Street Journal, "TikTok's U.S. operations could be sold to Oracle," August 6, 2020. [5] CNBC, "TikTok to launch U.S.-only version of app to address national security concerns," July 6, 2025.
Users in the United States should anticipate downloading the new TikTok app, set to launch on September 5, 2025, to continue using their favorite social media platform. This updated version will primarily cater to U.S. users as part of TikTok's strategy to separate its U.S. operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The app will reportedly be developed with the help of American investors, such as Oracle.
