Due to the app's delisting from various app stores there are now iPhones for sale with TikTok already installed. The demand for this specific type of phone has increased since users are unable to download or re-install the application. This article goes over what is currently available for those wanting to use Tik Tok on iPhones.
The TikTok Ban and Its Effects
The delisting of Tik Tok occurred following a government ban of the application for security reasons. The app became unavailable for download as tech companies removed it. After President Donald Trump signed an executive order access to Tik Tok was given back to previous users however this only applies to users that already had the app installed.
Users and App Store Access
Those that previously downloaded or kept the app on their phones could still continue using Tik Tok. However, new users as well as past users who have deleted the app are now no longer able to download it in the same manner. With the delisting it became highly sought after making people search for methods in how to gain access.
Secondhand Phone Market and Tik Tok
With the increased demand for this delisted app online marketplaces such as EBay have sellers listing thousands of phones with the application already pre-installed . This is a unique market with buyers trying to find a loophole to gaining back access. Those seeking to profit from a recent ban used the opportunity for high resale rates and the unusual circumstance became highly talked about.
Price Inflation and Potential Scams
Prices are ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars . Some listings are also seen upwards of millions which seems highly unusual. The speculation has started that many sellers are using fake accounts to make the prices more extreme. Some relist phones right after selling to manipulate value. The actual transactions of purchase and sales have been hard to gauge. Due to the high asking price many listings have an option of “make an offer”.
EBay and Third Party Seller Options
Thousands of options are currently available and for a while GameStop was even buying phones. Many options range with varying prices depending on the version of phone, model, memory and the software used to deliver the service. Due to these varying methods it is difficult to have a grasp on the exact value.
Demand Vs Real Value
Used iPhone sales generally average a set value, the price hike has caused the "Tiktok Phone" to have very specific reasons why they might bring in large numbers. The listings have highlighted people willing to pay much more to regain a social platform. It created a new approach to the typical sales transactions and the typical method for price gauging for similar used devices.
Technical and Functionality Concerns
Buyers of the phones need to be aware of the methods required to transfer over and still retain all parts of Tik Tok after receiving the new devices. Also some people will have their apps become out dated if no new app updates will ever be allowed.
Potential Issues for Buyers
The main concern from the public and buyers will be protecting the personal information as each device gets resold on third party options and the requirement that old accounts are completely deleted before transferring. There also are issues in making sure the operating system does not unintentionally delete the app or its software functions. As some of this tech becomes dated they may also experience new challenges.
Tik Tok Future and Possible Resolutions
Despite its delisting the fate of the social media app in the U.S. is currently unclear due to a law that banned it and other issues around ownership. A 75-day delay was given to find solutions however any possible method has yet to show how to make an issue for app availability be solved. Many new events could lead to the app being available again making any of these types of purchases unnecessary.
Government and Company Actions
For the app to stay in the US the parent company of Tik Tok has to find a way to reach some form of compliance within 75 days. Also a solution must come from all areas as congress still states they are able to uphold original ruling with possible legislation on this new agreement. If all else fails the app will likely fall to obscurity within the states.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands of phones have been listed with the app pre-installed due to the inability to download “Tik Tok” on some devices.
- These pre-installed “Tik Tok” phones now range from low cost to very expensive depending on demand.
- There are various security risks in purchasing used devices which may leave some vulnerable.
- The social media app's future within the US remains unclear however new potential solutions could cause value of the "Tik Tok" devices to plummet at any moment.
- Those using secondary markets will see limited app functionality due to potential software updates they may be missing from a lack of downloads in the Apple or Google app stores.