In line with the TikTok ban in the US, Apple has published a statement and a detailed support document outlining a list of apps removed from its App Store in the United States. This is an unusual step for the company, which rarely provides public updates about apps it blocks. The move comes in response to the enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which specifically targets apps developed by ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok.
Apps Removed by Apple
Apple’s statement lists several popular ByteDance apps that are no longer available for download or updates in the U.S., including:
- TikTok
- TikTok Studio
- TikTok Shop Seller Center
- CapCut
- Lemon8
- Hypic
- Lark – Team Collaboration
- Lark – Rooms Display
- Lark Rooms Controller
- Gauth: AI Study Companion
- MARVEL SNAP
Among these, TikTok, CapCut, and Lemon8 have been especially prominent, with Lemon8 gaining significant traction in recent months as a lifestyle and content-sharing platform. Apple noted that the removal applies not only to these apps but also to updates and in-app purchases for existing users in the U.S.
Apple’s Compliance with U.S. Law
The support document clarifies Apple’s position, stating that the company is required to adhere to laws in the regions where it operates. Apple explained:
“Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps 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 in the United States starting January 19, 2025.”
Interestingly, visitors to the U.S. with App Store accounts linked to non-U.S. regions will also face restrictions. They won’t be able to update these apps or make in-app purchases while in the country.
The Path to the Ban
The removal of ByteDance apps stems from legislation passed last year, which mandated that ByteDance divest its ownership of TikTok or face a complete ban in the U.S. Despite lobbying efforts and legal challenges, the Supreme Court upheld the law last week. This decision forced Apple and Google to block access to the listed apps as of January 19, 2025.
The ban reflects heightened scrutiny of foreign-controlled apps over concerns about data security and potential influence from adversarial governments. ByteDance, which has repeatedly denied allegations of improper data sharing with the Chinese government, now faces a significant setback in one of its largest markets.
Impact on Users and Developers
For millions of TikTok and ByteDance app users in the U.S., this decision is a disruptive change. Content creators who rely on TikTok or CapCut for their work may need to explore alternative platforms, while users of collaboration tools like Lark will need to switch to other software.
For ByteDance, the move represents not only a loss of revenue but also a potential weakening of its global influence. Whether the company can pivot or comply with U.S. demands to re-enter the market remains to be seen.
