TikTok Prepares US App M2 Amid Sale Talks Trump Extends Deadline to September 17

TikTok is in the process of developing a new version of its app specifically for users in the United States, codenamed “M2,” ahead of potential sale talks. This development comes after US President Donald Trump indicated that he plans to engage in discussions with China regarding a potential agreement for TikTok. Trump mentioned that the United States was close to finalizing a deal to sell the short-video app.

Earlier this year, an agreement was reached to create a new company in the US to manage TikTok’s operations in America. This new entity would be majority-owned by American investors, who would also have access to the short video app. According to reliable sources, TikTok aims to introduce the new app to US app stores as early as September 5. This timeline follows Trump’s extension of the deadline for the sale of TikTok’s US operations to September 17.

Users of the current TikTok app will eventually need to download the new app to continue using the service. The current app will remain functional until March of next year, though this timeline could change. The new app has sparked curiosity among users, who are wondering about the transfer of followers, posts, and the significance of the name “M2.”

Regarding the TikTok deal, Trump expressed his anticipation of starting a dialogue with China on Monday or Tuesday, possibly with President Xi or a representative. He noted that the two countries were very close to reaching a deal. However, TikTok suspended the deal after China stated it would not finalize the agreement due to Trump’s imposition of heavy tariffs on Chinese goods.

Trump acknowledged that the United States would likely need to get a deal approved by China. He also mentioned that he was not completely sure about China’s willingness to agree but anticipated that they would, given the strong relationship between President Xi and himself. He believed this deal would benefit both countries.

In a related development, the United States has relaxed export controls on China for chip design software and ethane, indicating that trade tensions between the two countries are easing. This move follows an agreement reached in May to work towards a bigger deal. The relaxation of export controls has allowed software companies to resume selling their tools for designing chips to Chinese customers, signaling a positive outlook for a potential deal concerning the sales of TikTok’s US operations.