TikTok Comes Up With A New Plan To Stay Alive In US Ahead Of Ban Deadline | Details | Times NowOpen PopupThemeTikTok Comes Up With A New Plan To Stay Alive In US Ahead Of Ban Deadline | DetailsAuthored by: Updated Jul 7, 2025, 05:29 ISTTikTok is preparing to launch a new app version, codenamed "M2," on US app stores by September 5, 2025, in a strategic effort to comply with American national security directives and avoid an outright ban. This move comes as ByteDance negotiates the divestiture of TikTok's US operations before the September 17 deadline mandated by the US government.President Trump confirmed he would open talks with Chinese officials, aiming to finalise a sale framework that still needs approval from President Xi Jinping.Photo : APfollow usfollow usTikTok is reportedly developing a fresh version of its app to launch on US app stores on September 5. Internally dubbed “M2”, this app version aims to let users continue enjoying the platform even as ByteDance prepares to divest US TikTok operations under a government-mandated timeline, a report by The Information revealed. The existing app is expected to remain functional until March 2026, though that date may shift as negotiations unfold.The push comes amid intensifying negotiations, with President Donald Trump confirming that he will engage China early this week to finalise the TikTok deal. Trump stated that a framework “pretty much” exists for the sale of TikTok’s US assets, but underscored that Chinese approval, likely from President Xi, will be necessary. With the divest-and-ban deadline extended to September 17, every component of TikTok’s plan hinges on securing both US and Chinese regulatory consent.US App Strategy Meets National Security MandateThe September 5 launch date gives TikTok a runway for transitioning its user base to the new M2 app ahead of the mandated divestiture deadline. In the interim, the original TikTok client will continue operating, ensuring no immediate disruption to users or advertisers, The Information's report revealed. However, TikTok must persuade both governments that the new app sufficiently severs Beijing’s control over US data and content flow.Reports indicate that ByteDance had initially pursued a full US spin-off earlier this year, but negotiations faltered as China declined approval in response to US tariff threats. TikTok’s new app initiative effectively resets the approach, launching under American investor oversight while still requiring Beijing’s blessing for any ownership change.Trump Signals Deal Underway with China TalksSpeaking aboard Air Force One last Friday, Trump said talks with Chinese officials would begin “Monday or Tuesday” and that the US “pretty much” has a deal in place. He emphasised that China will need to formally approve the buyer, likely President Xi or his envoys, for the sale to move forward. The timeline is now tightly bound to the legal deadline of September 17, after which TikTok faces a forced divestiture or ban.Trump’s willingness to negotiate marks a softer stance compared to earlier threats of a total ban, and comes amid broader efforts to ease tit-for-tat tariff tensions. His message to Chinese leaders was clear: finalise the TikTok sale as a bilateral confidence-building measure. Still, he qualified his optimism: “I’m not confident, but I think so,” suggesting caution ahead of reaching an agreement.An estimated 170 million-strong user base of TikTok in the US stands at the centre of this high-stakes transition. For creators, advertisers, and brands, clarity on platform continuity is vital. On the regulatory front, TikTok must verify that M2 is effectively a domestic platform, free from foreign interference. This may necessitate US ownership of code, data servers, and perhaps even the algorithm, negotiations that could strain relations with the new investor group and with Chinese engineers maintaining the app.Get Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from and around the . Previous NextYuvraj Tyagi authorYuvraj Tyagi is a Senior Copy Editor, specializing in security, national, international and defense affairs. With extensive experience covering the Ka...End of ArticleRead MoreSubscribe to our daily Newsletter!SubmitFollow us :Top TrendsTop SearchesEntertainmentLifestyleCompany© 2025 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited, TikTok is preparing to launch a revamped app, internally called “M2,” on US app stores on September 5, 2025. This move is designed to ensure the platform’s survival as its parent company, ByteDance, works to comply with a US government order requiring divestment of TikTok’s American operations. According to The Information, the existing TikTok app will remain functional until at least , Social media giant TikTok will launch a new version of its popular app to Apple's and Google's app stores on September 5, as part of an agreement to sell its US business looms..