TikTok has returned to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store following a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi assuring platform owners they won't face fines under the current administration. This development comes less than a month after the initial US government ban.

The ban, which took effect on January 19, had included a $5,000 fine per download for platform owners. While Android users could still access TikTok through sideloading, iOS users had no alternative download options, making the app's return to Apple's App Store particularly significant.

According to Sensor Tower data, TikTok's download distribution in the previous year was nearly equal between platforms:

• Apple App Store: 52% of downloads
• Google Play Store: 48% of downloads

President Trump has assigned Vice President J.D. Vance and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz to oversee TikTok's U.S. operations sale. While the initial 75-day deadline for finding a U.S. partner could be extended, Trump indicated this might not be necessary. Multiple potential buyers have expressed interest, and there's discussion about potentially including TikTok in a new U.S. sovereign wealth fund.

With TikTok's return to major app stores, the controversy appears to be settling, though the question of its ultimate ownership remains unresolved.

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