Major App Updates: TikTok’s US Deal, DraftKings Predictions, Gemini’s No-Code Revolution

• TikTok secures its future in the US with a joint venture led by American investors, easing creators’ concerns after years of uncertainty (LA Times).
• DraftKings launches a regulated prediction markets app, allowing users to trade contracts tied to sports and financial events (CBS News).
• Google’s Gemini app introduces Opal, enabling users to build custom mini-apps without coding, along with major model and feature upgrades (Digital Trends, Google Blog).

TikTok’s Survival in the US: A Lifeline for Creators and Brands

On the evening of December 19, 2025, hundreds of TikTok creators gathered at the Hollywood Palladium, not only to celebrate the platform’s first American awards show but also to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Minutes before the event, news broke of a deal that secures TikTok’s continued operation in the US through a joint venture majority-controlled by American investors, including Oracle Corp. (LA Times).

This agreement marks the end of a turbulent era for TikTok. The app, which had been threatened with a ban over national security concerns dating back to President Trump’s 2020 executive orders, now stands on firmer ground. For creators like Keith Lee, whose journey from MMA fighter to TikTok’s “Creator of the Year” has been transformative, the app is more than just a platform—it’s a livelihood. “For me, it’s my career now so I can’t imagine it not being around,” Lee reflected. With 17.3 million followers, his food reviews have become a staple for millions.

The deal is expected to close next month, and TikTok’s US operations will be overseen by the new joint venture. For comedy creator Adam W., who has amassed 22.6 million followers with his pop-culture parodies, the news was “game changing.” Creators, many based in Southern California, rely on TikTok for income and reach, while businesses depend on its influencers to connect with younger audiences. The uncertainty had led to a slowdown in advertising and user growth, but analysts predict a rebound now that TikTok’s future is clarified.

Despite the celebratory mood at the awards show, technical hiccups—like dark screens intended to display visuals—served as a reminder that even in moments of triumph, challenges remain. Yet, as Kim Farrell, TikTok’s global head of creators, noted, the platform’s impact is undeniable: “You represent a truly global community of over 1 billion people.”

DraftKings Bets on Prediction Markets: A New App for Speculators

While TikTok was fighting for its US existence, DraftKings was making its own bold move into the prediction markets space. The sports betting giant unveiled DraftKings Predictions, a mobile and web app regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CBS News). The app allows users to trade contracts linked to sports and financial events, with DraftKings acting as a broker connecting users to exchanges like CME Group.

This expansion comes at a time when the prediction market sector is heating up, with competitors like Kalshi and Polymarket valued at billions. DraftKings’ recent acquisition of Railbird Technologies signals its commitment to the space, positioning itself as a regulated, mainstream option in an industry often marked by legal ambiguities. Some platforms have faced criticism and pushback over attempts to allow betting on sensitive topics, such as student-athlete transfers, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of event-based speculation.

DraftKings’ app is expected to be available in major app stores within days, offering new opportunities—and challenges—for users and regulators alike. The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify beyond traditional sports betting, tapping into the growing appetite for interactive financial and event-based speculation.

Gemini and Opal: Democratizing App Creation with No-Code Tools

2025 isn’t just about big deals and regulatory battles; it’s also about technological empowerment. Google’s Gemini app has rolled out Opal, a visual builder that lets users create reusable AI-powered mini-apps without writing any code (Digital Trends, Google Blog). With Opal now accessible directly inside Gemini’s Gems manager, users can prototype custom workflows—chaining prompts, model calls, and tools—through a simple interface. Hosting is handled automatically, allowing for instant sharing without the headaches of server management.

For those needing more control, Gemini points to an Advanced Editor at opal.google, giving power users the ability to fine-tune their creations. The goal? Speed-to-prototype and accessible AI tooling for everyone, not just developers.

But Opal is just one part of Gemini’s December “Drop.” Other upgrades include Gemini 3 Flash, delivering faster, smarter AI globally; Nano Banana for precise image edits using gestures; integration with NotebookLM for grounded research; and enhanced local search results complete with photos, ratings, and real-world info. For Ultra users, Deep Research reports now feature visual summaries, making dense information easier to digest.

This suite of innovations underlines a broader trend: apps are not just tools but platforms for creativity, commerce, and connection. The barriers between users and developers continue to erode, with natural language and visual interfaces leading the way.

What’s Next for Apps in 2025?

The past year has seen apps at the center of legal, technological, and cultural shifts. TikTok’s survival highlights the power of user communities and the importance of regulatory clarity. DraftKings’ foray into prediction markets reflects the blending of entertainment and financial speculation, while Gemini’s Opal signals the democratization of app creation itself.

Each of these stories is a window into how apps are evolving—from platforms that merely connect users to engines that empower, entertain, and even disrupt entire industries. As we move into 2026, the question is not just what apps can do, but how they’ll shape the way we live, work, and interact.

TikTok’s deal is a milestone for creator-driven platforms, DraftKings is redefining event speculation, and Gemini is lowering the bar for digital innovation—2025 is proving that the next big leap for apps is as much about empowerment as it is about technology. The real winners will be those who adapt quickly, whether they’re creators, speculators, or everyday users.