TikTok is reportedly preparing to launch a redesigned version of its app in the United States amid rising pressure from the US government to reduce Chinese control over the platform. Internally codenamed "M2," the new version is expected to debut on US app stores on September 5, with users gradually being transitioned over. The current TikTok app could remain operational until March 2026, but users will eventually need to switch to continue using the service.
This development is part of ByteDance’s attempt to comply with the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a law that seeks to curb the influence of foreign-owned platforms, especially those from China. While TikTok has not made any official statements about the new app, reports suggest the M2 version will retain the same user experience but operate under a new legal and ownership structure tailored to meet US national security standards.
Negotiations are also underway to transfer majority control of TikTok’s US operations to American investors, with Oracle leading a potential acquisition deal. Under this plan, ByteDance would retain only a minority stake. Oracle has reportedly signed a separate agreement with the US federal government to offer discounts on its cloud services — a move that may strengthen its position in the ongoing TikTok negotiations, especially since cloud infrastructure is expected to be central to the app’s new backend.
However, a final agreement still hinges on approval from the Chinese government, which has previously blocked similar deals. The situation remains fluid, but ByteDance appears to be taking proactive steps to ensure TikTok’s continuity in the US through both technical redesign and corporate restructuring.
This would mark a significant shift in TikTok’s presence in the US, driven by geopolitical tensions, data privacy concerns, and the broader effort to distance critical tech platforms from foreign influence.
