TikTok is preparing to launch a new version of its app in the U.S. as part of a broader plan to meet U.S. regulatory demands. The app, internally called “M2,” is scheduled to go live on Apple’s App Store and Google Play on September 5, according to a report from The Information.

The new app will be available only to U.S. users. Users will need to download “M2” separately to continue using TikTok services. The existing app will continue to function until March 2026, but TikTok plans to phase it out gradually depending on how the divestment deal proceeds.

Why TikTok could launch a new app for U.S. users

This transition is part of an ongoing effort by ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to comply with U.S. legislation passed earlier this year, following an Appeals Court ruling requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19 or face a U.S. ban. Lawmakers have raised concerns that the Chinese government could gain access to Americans’ personal data or influence what they see on the platform.

Despite TikTok’s request for the Supreme Court to pause a January 19 shutdown, the app went dark earlier this year. On January 19, TikTok users in the U.S. were unable to access or download the app for about 12 hours. That outage ended only after President Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the legislation by 75 days. The deadline was later extended again, with the latest date set for September 17. Now, TikTok wants to make its move before that deadline arrives.

Who is buying TikTok’s U.S. operations?

A group of non-Chinese firms is expected to take over TikTok’s U.S. business. According to The Information, Oracle is one of the lead firms involved in the deal. While ByteDance will reportedly retain a minority stake, operational control is expected to shift to American companies.

The exact structure of the deal is still being finalized, but the main idea is to build a new U.S.-controlled version of TikTok that can operate independently of ByteDance.

President Donald Trump, who previously enforced and delayed actions on TikTok, said he will begin fresh talks with China about the situation this week. TikTok reportedly has around 170 million users in the U.S., and those users will need to switch apps to stay connected.

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