Telephones with TikTok listed at exorbitant costs
In keeping with a report within the New York Submit, an iPhone 15 Professional with TikTok put in was listed for practically $5 million on eBay. The commercial described the system as: “Display screen protector is just harm telephone good and has TikTok.”
Different customers took to social media to precise their desperation. A publish on X learn: “I deleted TikTok and now I can’t get it again! I’ll pay somebody $5,000 for an iPhone 16 Professional Max with TikTok nonetheless put in. DM me.”
One other person highlighted the spike in demand on eBay, stating: “That is INSANE! eBay is filled with telephones with TikTok already downloaded on it promoting for hundreds!!”
Why TikTok stays unavailable for obtain
The app grew to become inaccessible for downloads following a ban enacted on January 19. Though the ban was reversed inside hours, customers trying to obtain or replace TikTok now face restrictions. Android customers obtain a message stating: “Downloads for this app are paused resulting from present US authorized necessities.” Equally, iPhone customers encounter a message saying: “TikTok and different ByteDance apps aren’t obtainable within the nation or area you’re in.”
Each platforms direct customers to assist pages explaining the unavailability. Apple’s message reads: “Apple is obligated to observe the legal guidelines within the jurisdictions the place it operates.”
Authorized challenges delay app entry
Although President Trump prolonged the timeline for ByteDance, TikTok’s father or mother firm, to resolve authorized points, Google and Apple are awaiting additional readability. Analysts cited by Reuters recommend the businesses are involved about potential penalties for distributing the app with out satisfactory authorized protections.President Trump has indicated the extension permits extra time to finalize the sale of TikTok’s US operations. He additionally hinted at attainable patrons, together with billionaire Elon Musk.
The continued uncertainty round TikTok’s availability has fueled a black marketplace for gadgets with the app pre-installed, reflecting the app’s enduring recognition regardless of authorized roadblocks.