In recent days, following a brief ban of the social media platform TikTok in the United States, iPhones with the app pre-installed have become highly sought after. With TikTok currently unavailable for download from the Apple App Store, users seeking to obtain or reinstall the application are turning to alternative methods. One such method involves purchasing iPhones that already have TikTok installed, leading to some sellers listing their devices on platforms like eBay at significantly inflated prices. Listings for these iPhones range from over $1,000 to an astonishing $4.9 million for an iPhone 15 equipped with both TikTok and CapCut, a video editing tool owned by the same Chinese company.

The situation stems from a series of events surrounding TikTok's operations in the U.S. In early January 2024, TikTok faced a temporary shutdown due to a law enacted by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden. This legislation required ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its ownership of the app or cease U.S. operations. The Supreme Court upheld this law on January 17, citing concerns about potential misuse of user data by the Chinese government. However, just as quickly as it was shut down, TikTok resumed service less than 24 hours later, thanks to former President Donald Trump's intervention. He announced plans to delay the enforcement of the ban, allowing the platform to continue operating temporarily.

During the brief period when TikTok was inaccessible, users who tried to open the app were met with a message stating that the service was unavailable. This disruption caused significant concern among the app's vast user base, which includes over 170 million Americans and supports more than 7 million small businesses. TikTok's official statement thanked President Trump for providing clarity and assurance, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech and opposing arbitrary censorship. The company also expressed its commitment to working towards a long-term solution that would keep TikTok operational in the U.S.

The rapid fluctuations in TikTok's availability have highlighted the platform's significance and the impact of political decisions on digital services. While the app is now back online, the surge in demand for iPhones with TikTok pre-installed underscores the value users place on uninterrupted access to their favorite social media platforms. As discussions around data security and foreign ownership continue, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains a topic of intense interest and debate.