TikTok is working on a U.S.-only version of the app, called “M2”

Yep, the TikTok-U.S. soap opera has a new episode.

According to The Information, TikTok is developing a U.S.-specific version of the app, codenamed “M2,” which could launch as early as September. This is part of TikTok’s plan to comply with the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” and avoid a full ban in the U.S.

American users will eventually have to download this new app to keep using TikTok, though there’s a grace period until March 2026.

So what’s different in M2? No one really knows yet. But it likely involves changes to ownership and control, especially the algorithm, which China has said cannot be sold or transferred. That’s been one of the main sticking points.

The theory: this split app strategy might allow TikTok to appease U.S. regulators without giving up the full algorithm, which keeps engagement (and ad revenue) sky-high.

TikTok’s trying to survive in the U.S. by spinning off a separate version of the app. Launch in Sept, deadline for switch is March 2026.

Whether it still feels like TikTok without the same algorithm? That’s the billion-dollar question.