Apple’s New Blockade
Apple has put the brakes on US iPhone users downloading ByteDance apps. The tech giant is blocking access to apps from TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, despite TikTok itself operating in the US under new ownership. This means no more Douyin, Doubao, or Fanqie Novel for you, America.
Previously, iPhone users could download these apps with a Chinese App Store account. Now, a pop-up tells them, “This app is unavailable in the country or region you’re in.” ByteDance’s apps are singled out, while other Chinese apps remain unscathed.
The TikTok Ban Law
This blockade follows the 2024 TikTok ban law, forcing TikTok to shed its Chinese ownership. The law also bars US distribution of apps majority-owned by ByteDance. Apple and Google are forbidden from distributing, maintaining, or updating these apps in the US.
The law targets TikTok over national security concerns, but ByteDance’s other apps are collateral damage. Apps not meant for US audiences, like Douyin and Doubao, are caught in the crossfire.
User Reactions and Workarounds
Users in the US, including travelers, report being blocked from updating ByteDance apps. Android users have it easier, as they can sidestep Google’s Play Store restrictions. But for iPhone users, it’s a ByteDance blackout.
A YouTuber highlighted the issue on social media, questioning if the restrictions relate to TikTok’s ownership shuffle. Apple’s ‘Learn More’ button on the pop-up was a dead end, and after WIRED reached out, Apple removed it entirely.
Quick Facts
- •💡 Apple blocks ByteDance app downloads for US users.
- •💡 TikTok operates under new US ownership post-2024 law.
- •💡 ByteDance apps like Douyin are unavailable in the US.
- •💡 The ban stems from national security concerns over Chinese ownership.
- •💡 Android users can still access ByteDance apps via non-Google sources.