"I deleted TikTok and now I can't get it back! I will pay someone $5,000 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok still installed. DM me," read a post on X.
I deleted TikTok and now I can’t get it back! I will pay someone $5,000 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok still installed. DM me.
— Terrell from Sales (@Terrell_2_Cold) January 20, 2025
This is INSANE! eBay is full of phones with TikTok already downloaded on it selling for thousands!! pic.twitter.com/juxXtINQ9z
— Gentry Gevers (@gentrywgevers) January 22, 2025
Why are Google and Apple not allowing downloads?
Android users who visit the Google Play Store to download or update TikTok see a notice that reads, "Downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements". As for iPhone users, display a similar message stating: "TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you're in."
A prompt to "learn more" sends people to a support page with extra details regarding the availability of TikTok and other ByteDance-owned applications in the United States.
"Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates," the message reads.