Apple has begun geoblocking downloads and updates of ByteDance-owned apps in the US, according to Wired. Users attempting to access apps like CapCut, Lemon8, Lark, and Hypic receive messages stating the apps are unavailable in their region, even if they have valid Chinese App Store accounts.

This move affects multiple ByteDance apps beyond TikTok and its Chinese counterpart Douyin. The timing suggests a connection to the recent TikTok USDS Joint Venture agreement, which required ByteDance to divest its US operations. An archived Apple support document from January 2025 indicated that 11 ByteDance-owned apps would no longer be available in the United States.

Apple and ByteDance have declined to comment on the restrictions. The geoblocking prevents new downloads but allows existing users to continue using installed apps. Visitors to the US can still download these apps in other countries and regain full functionality after leaving American borders. This development represents another layer of separation between ByteDance and the US market following the high-profile TikTok deal.