ByteDance has restored TikTok service in the United States, but the app remains unavailable for download on both Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. This situation creates potential long-term issues for the app's functionality and user experience.

Users who previously deleted TikTok cannot reinstall it, as both major app stores have removed it from their platforms. Google Play is now promoting Instagram in its social media category, while RedNote and BlueSky are featured on the App Store.

Despite President Trump's executive order delaying the TikTok ban enforcement by 75 days, Apple and Google maintain their removal of ByteDance apps. Apple has listed several banned apps on their support site, including:

• TikTok and TikTok-related apps (Studio, Shop Seller Center)
• CapCut
• Lemon8
• Hypic
• Lark suite of apps
• Gauth: AI Study Companion
• Marvel Snap

The recently signed law by President Biden introduces significant penalties for app stores that continue offering TikTok after January 19, with fines of $5,000 per user granted access. The law includes a five-year statute of limitations, extending enforcement potential to future administrations.

Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, warned that companies facilitating TikTok access could face "hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability."

While existing users can continue using TikTok, the app faces potential "app rot" without regular updates. This means:

• No new features
• No bug fixes
• No security updates
• No performance improvements
• No in-app purchases
• Possible compatibility issues with future OS updates

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