In response to U.S. law requiring divestment or banning of its American operations, ByteDance is preparing to release a new version of TikTok—internally codenamed “M2”—exclusively for U.S. users. The launch is scheduled for September 5, 2025, with the current TikTok app slated to stop working by March 2026
1. 🗓 Why Launch a Second App?
The U.S. “M2” app is being released independently of the existing TikTok due to App Store policies that prevent region-specific forks within a single listing. Users will need to migrate to the new app to maintain access beyond March 2026 macrumors.com.
2. 🔁 Transition Timeline for Users
- September 5, 2025: “M2” appears on U.S. App Stores.
- September 17: Deadline for divestment under new legislation—failure to comply could lead to a ban
- March 2026: The current U.S. TikTok stops functioning unless users switch to “M2”
3. 🔐 Data Security & Ownership Changes
“M2” will operate on U.S.-based infrastructure to comply with national security standards. Its operations will shift to a U.S.-controlled consortium—led by Oracle and other non-Chinese investors—with ByteDance retaining minority ownership, pending Chinese regulatory approval
4. 👥 U.S. Community Reacts
Users have voiced mixed emotions on social media, questioning the confusing name “M2” and the need for reinstallation. Some are concerned about app fragmentation, limited content access, and possible censorship .
5. ⚖️ Unusual But Necessary Move
Launching a parallel version of a major global app is rare. Yet this move reflects TikTok’s attempts to navigate the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, balance compliance, loyalty to U.S. users, and business continuity
✅ Summary
TikTok will replace its U.S. app with a new version called “M2” on September 5, 2025. This move ensures compliance with U.S. security laws and transitions ownership to a local consortium. U.S. users must migrate before March 2026, or lose access to the platform.
