Apple Updates TestFlight to Block Access to TikTok Beta in U.S.

Apple tonight updated its beta testing app TestFlight, seemingly to block U.S. users from accessing the TikTok beta on the iPhone and other devices.

TestFlight Banner
The update adds this fine print to the app, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris:

Apple may use the IP address of your internet connection to approximate your location in order to determine whether certain beta apps that are subject to legal restrictions in some regions can be made available to you.

This development comes after Apple removed TikTok from the App Store in the U.S. earlier tonight. In the U.S., a law banning TikTok unless Chinese company ByteDance divests ownership of the platform takes effect Sunday, January 19. The app is "temporarily unavailable" in the U.S., according to an in-app notice being shown to users tonight.

More details about the ban and what comes next are outlined in our earlier report.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
8 months ago

I do have to say one thing, Apple sure is quick to lick the boots. That's a bit unsettling.
Of course, according to the original article if they refuse to comply they may have to pay *billions* in fines.
They certainly aren’t going to risk that for one app, and neither will Google, which is why it’s also gone from the play store as well.
And every other US application retailer.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
8 months ago

I do have to say one thing, Apple sure is quick to lick the boots. That's a bit unsettling.
Lick the boots? You mean comply with the law?

I think the law is stupid and misguided but it's been upheld through every court up through the Supreme Court. ByteDance has already turned off the service, so there's no content for the app to display. What part of complying by ending new downloads of an app that has no content to display qualifies as "licking the boots"?
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Takeo Apple Avatar
8 months ago

I do have to say one thing, Apple sure is quick to lick the boots. That's a bit unsettling.
glad you are not in charge of managing the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people and trillions of dollars over an app. Maybe you should launch a TikTok alternative if you think it is worth any legal trouble lol.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zest28 Avatar
8 months ago

I do have to say one thing, Apple sure is quick to lick the boots. That's a bit unsettling.
I guess I'm "licking the boots" too as I don't break any laws.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Takeo Apple Avatar
8 months ago

It's even on the front page of my App Store. I better installed it, maybe it's worth much money soon. ?


dude this is not flappy bird which does not need a connection to the internet - this won't be worth ********. Just like Fortnite on iOS isn't worth anything.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
foobarbaz Avatar
8 months ago

I do have to say one thing, Apple sure is quick to lick the boots. That's a bit unsettling.
Whose boots? This is a law that was signed by Biden and Trump is actually against it. Following a law is not appeasing Trump, and certainly not this specific law.

Your statement might be true in general, but this is not an example of it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)