Following the implementation of a US law banning TikTok, Apple has disclosed a comprehensive list of ByteDance-owned apps removed from its App Store.
The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing scrutiny of ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government and its potential implications for national security.
On Saturday night, TikTok went dark for 170 million US users, following a protracted legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court ruling to uphold the ban. ByteDance’s popular video-sharing app was required to cease operations in the US, leaving millions without access to the platform.
Accompanying the TikTok shutdown, other apps developed by ByteDance and its subsidiaries were also removed from US app stores. These apps are no longer available for download, updates, or in-app purchases.
In a statement, Apple emphasized its compliance with jurisdictional laws, explaining that it had no choice but to follow the US government’s directive. The apps affected include:
- CapCut: A video editing platform widely used for its AI-powered features, such as transitions and effects.
- Lemon8: A lifestyle app likened to Instagram, focusing on content creation and sharing.
- Hypic: A photo editing tool with AI capabilities for enhancing images and creating digital art.
- Lark: A professional collaboration tool offering messaging, video calls, and cloud storage, comparable to Slack.
- Gauth: An AI-driven app for solving academic problems, including live tutoring and essay writing assistance.
- Marvel Snap: A digital collectible card game based on Marvel Universe characters, developed by Second Dinner and published by ByteDance’s subsidiary, Nuverse.
For users who had already downloaded these apps, they remain functional on devices but cannot receive updates or be reinstalled if deleted. Apple clarified that even international visitors in the US would be unable to access these apps during their stay.
Despite the ban, ByteDance has expressed optimism about negotiating a resolution. TikTok, in particular, is banking on incoming President Donald Trump to extend the ban’s deadline and explore options to reinstate the platform.
With input from USA Today, Forbes, and Business Insider.
