Apple has taken steps to prevent iOS users in the United States from downloading or updating ByteDance apps intended for the Chinese market. This move follows TikTok’s recent agreement to transfer its US operations to new ownership.
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, offers a range of apps covering social media, entertainment, and artificial intelligence. Notably, Douyin, the Chinese counterpart of TikTok with over 1 billion monthly active users, is among ByteDance’s popular offerings.
Previously, iPhone users worldwide could access ByteDance apps via the App Store with a Chinese account. However, since late January, individuals in the US with Chinese App Store accounts have encountered difficulties when attempting to download or update ByteDance apps on Apple devices located in the United States.
Upon the download attempt, users are now presented with a message stating, ‘This app is unavailable in the country or region you’re in,’ indicating the imposed restrictions. Notably, the restriction seems to be exclusive to ByteDance apps and not applicable to those from other Chinese developers.
Apple and ByteDance have chosen not to provide comments on this matter. The timing aligns with TikTok’s decision to transfer its US operations, a move influenced by the legislative action known as the TikTok ban law that restricts the distribution of apps majority-owned by ByteDance.
Source: WIRED