Telephones with TikTok listed at exorbitant costs
Based on a report within the New York Publish, an iPhone 15 Professional with TikTok put in was listed for practically $5 million on eBay. The commercial described the system as: “Display protector is just injury telephone excellent and has TikTok.”
Different customers took to social media to specific 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 consumer highlighted the spike in demand on eBay, stating: “That is INSANE! eBay is stuffed with telephones with TikTok already downloaded on it promoting for 1000’s!!”
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 as a result of present US authorized necessities.” Equally, iPhone customers encounter a message saying: “TikTok and different ByteDance apps are usually not accessible within the nation or area you’re in.”
Each platforms direct customers to help pages explaining the unavailability. Apple’s message reads: “Apple is obligated to comply with 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 mum or dad firm, to resolve authorized points, Google and Apple are awaiting additional readability. Analysts cited by Reuters counsel the businesses are involved about potential penalties for distributing the app with out sufficient 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 consumers, together with billionaire Elon Musk.
The continued uncertainty round TikTok’s availability has fueled a black marketplace for units with the app pre-installed, reflecting the app’s enduring recognition regardless of authorized roadblocks.