David Bridges
Update on January 19, 2025, 2:06 PM ET: Following a swift shutdown of its app and subsequent removal from various app stores approximately 12 hours ago, TikTok is now actively working to restore its services within the United States. This report captures the latest developments in this rapidly changing landscape; the original text follows below.
In the lead-up to the anticipated TikTok ban, uncertainty loomed over the futures of other applications developed by its parent company, ByteDance. Recent events have clarified that these applications have also ceased operations in the US. Concurrently with TikTok’s unavailability this past weekend, other ByteDance-affiliated apps, including the widely-used video-editing platform CapCut, the social media application Lemon8, and the popular game Marvel Snap, have all displayed messages to US users indicating their services are currently inaccessible. Ben Brode, Chief Development Officer for Marvel Snap developer Second Dinner, expressed surprise on Threads regarding their unexpected inclusion in the ban and reassured users that efforts are underway to restore access.
Second Dinner reiterated this sentiment on X and through its in-app communication to users, emphasizing that “MARVEL SNAP isn’t going anywhere.” Despite being developed by a US-based team, the game’s publisher, Nuverse Games, is a subsidiary of ByteDance. This has left other titles associated with Nuverse equally affected by the recent regulations.
The shutdown of CapCut and Lemon8 may come as less of a surprise, given their direct connection to ByteDance. However, considering that the legislative focus was primarily directed at TikTok, many users will likely find the complete unavailability of these applications shocking. CapCut has gained significant traction among social media creators for its robust video editing capabilities. Moreover, TikTok users seeking alternative platforms in light of the ban had recently gravitated towards Lemon8, which just days ago was the second most popular app on the App Store.
According to a new support page published by Apple, which lists some of the affected applications, “If you already have these apps installed on your device, they will remain accessible. However, users will be unable to redownload these applications if deleted or restore them when switching to a new device. Additionally, in-app purchases and new subscriptions are no longer available.” Furthermore, these applications will not receive any future updates, leaving users without access to new features or bug fixes.
In addition to TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, Apple has identified other applications such as Lark, Hypic — an AI-driven photo editing tool — and Gauth: AI Study Companion as casualties of the ban. However, there are numerous additional applications not explicitly listed that may also find themselves affected as the situation develops.
“Apple is obligated to adhere to the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates,” stated Apple on the support page. “In accordance with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, applications developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users located in the United States starting January 19, 2025.”
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Daniel Mercer
