After months of uncertainty and a looming threat of a complete ban under the “divest‑or‑ban” law, ByteDance and its potential partners appear poised to chart a new course for TikTok’s future in the United States with M2 app. According to a recent report, a strategic shake‑up involving a fresh app release and major restructuring could help TikTok sidestep a full prohibition.
At the core of the plan is the launch of a new, revamped version of TikTok’s app—code‑named M2—scheduled for rollout in US app stores on September 5, 2025. This aligns with the Trump administration’s third extension delaying TikTok’s removal, whose deadline is also mid‑September. The M2 release is designed to supersede the original app, which may be phased out by March 2026, ensuring continuity for American users while technically complying with legal mandates.
Though the redesign will preserve the core interface and user features—such as video creation, sharing, and the signature “For You” feed—the transformation unfolds behind the scenes through new governance, data handling, and ownership structures.
Central to the restructuring plan is a partial divestment of TikTok’s US operations to non‑Chinese investors, with Oraclereportedly playing a pivotal role. ByteDance would retain a minority stake, while U.S.-based entities would control data, algorithms, and operations—potentially satisfying the conditions set by the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
However, this transaction still requires approval from the Chinese government, which is reportedly handling TikTok’s separation alongside broader negotiations with the U.S. over tariffs. Compliance from both governments will be crucial as both the current and prospective owners navigate geopolitics.
In parallel to negotiations regarding TikTok’s ownership, Oracle has reportedly inked a discounted cloud services deal with the US General Services Administration (GSA)—reducing its software fees by as much as 75%. This deeper government partnership may further bolster Oracle’s strategic position in talks related to TikTok’s US operations.
While the September launch of M2 is ambitious, its timing is precarious. It hinges on obtaining regulatory clearances from both the US and China within a tight timeline. Additionally, synchronizing the introduction of a new app with the removal of the existing TikTok platform increases pressure on all stakeholders—from developers and content hosts to advertisers and creators—who rely heavily on TikTok’s infrastructure.
Should deployment occur as planned, American users may experience a seamless transition: downloading M2 where TikTok once was, retaining access to their existing follows, preferences, and content—even as new data governance models take effect.
The proposed September debut of “M2” marks a critical pivot point for TikTok in the US. What began as a potential total shutdown may now evolve into a regulated relaunch—an outcome shaped by diplomatic negotiations, strategic corporate alignments, and regulatory innovation. With key deadlines approaching, the success of this plan will depend heavily on whether ByteDance, Oracle, and US and Chinese officials can finalize an agreement that satisfies every legal and political expectation.
While much remains undisclosed—particularly the full technical and data segregation details—this roadmap offers the clearest signal yet that TikTok may persist in the American digital ecosystem, albeit in transformed form.
