The phrase “TikTok M2 App” has recently gained a lot of traction online, amid reports of a new version of the app being made ahead of the expected U.S. sale. President Donald Trump recently stated he would speak to China about a possible TikTok deal.
Earlier this year, the social media application’s future in the country remained in uncertainty after Congress voted for ByteDance’s requirement to sell the application or face a ban. The then-outgoing POTUS, Joe Biden, signed the bill, resulting in a legal deadline for shutdown or sale on January 19, 2025. However, the deadline ended up getting extended a total of three times after Trump assumed office.
So, is TikTok developing a U.S. version of the app, named M2, ahead of the ban? Here’s what we know.
TikTok is building new app amid US ban, claims report
TikTok is reportedly making a new version of the app, colloquially named M2. The Information, which cited unnamed sources, was the first to report on this supposed new development. The report comes after Donald Trump revealed in a recent interview with Air Force One reporters that the U.S. would have talks with China on Monday or Tuesday about a possible TikTok deal. In the interview, Trump claimed that the U.S. “pretty much” had a deal, but noted that China would “probably” need to approve it.
Although the POTUS was not confident about the deal, he remained hopeful. Trump shared that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a “great relationship” and that the deal would prove to be beneficial for both countries (via Fox Business).
Last month, Trump shared in an interview with Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo that there was a group of “very wealthy people” looking to purchase TikTok. He also said that he would reveal the buyers’ identities in the coming weeks. In addition, last month, Trump extended the deadline for ByteDance’s divestiture of TikTok for the third time to September 17.
Ultimately, there is no official confirmation on whether TikTok is making a U.S. version of the application. The current version of the video-sharing application is expected to run till March 2026.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.
