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yesterday

TikTok to Launch U.S.-Only ‘M2’ App Ahead of Investor Sale

The strategy follows a U.S. mandate for divestment by September 17, with Beijing’s approval remaining the final hurdle

FILE - The TikTok app logo is shown on an iPhone on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
Image
SUQIAN, CHINA - MARCH 27: In this photo illustration, the logo of TikTok is displayed on a smartphone screen on March 27, 2025 in Suqian, Jiangsu Province of China. US President Donald Trump announced on April 4 that he will again postpone enforcement of the TikTok sale-or-ban law for 75 days. (Photo by VCG/VCG via AP )

Overview

  • TikTok is reportedly building a separate American version of its app, codenamed “M2,” with a planned launch on U.S. app stores on September 5.
  • ByteDance is in advanced negotiations to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to a consortium led by Oracle, while retaining a minority stake.
  • The move aims to comply with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which requires divestment or a ban by September 17.
  • Any completed sale and the transition to the new app still require official sign-off from the Chinese government.
  • The existing TikTok app will operate alongside M2 until it is expected to deactivate in March 2026, after which U.S. users must migrate to continue service.