TikTok is developing a new version of its app specifically for users in the United States as part of preparations for a planned sale to a group of American investors, according to a report by The Information on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.
The report comes days after US President Donald Trump revealed that discussions with China over TikTok’s future would begin on Monday or Tuesday. Trump said a deal on the sale of the popular short-video platform was “pretty much” in place.
According to the report, TikTok aims to launch the new US-focused app on September 5 in domestic app stores. Eventually, users will be required to download the new version to continue accessing the service, although the existing app is expected to remain functional until March 2026. The timeline, however, may still change.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has until September 17 to divest its US assets, following an extension granted last month by President Trump.
TikTok has not yet responded to a Reuters request for comment, and Reuters has not independently verified the report.
Earlier this year, plans were underway to spin off TikTok’s US operations into a new company controlled by American investors. However, the process stalled when China signalled it would oppose the move in response to the US announcement of increased tariffs on Chinese imports.
Trump also acknowledged that any final agreement would likely require approval from Chinese authorities.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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