STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Apple has blocked access to the popular video game Fortnite on iPhones in the United States and through Epic Games' own store in the European Union, according to the game's developer.

The move will prevent Fortnite users from accessing the game via Apple's iPhone operating system and App Store globally until the restriction is lifted, Epic Games said.

Apple stated that it had requested Epic Sweden to resubmit the app update without including the U.S. storefront to avoid impacting Fortnite in other regions. "We did not take any action to remove the live version of Fortnite from alternative distribution marketplaces," an Apple spokesperson said.

Epic Games, which is backed by China's Tencent and became the world's largest game studio after Fortnite's massive success in 2017, has been embroiled in a legal battle with Apple since 2020. The gaming firm accused Apple of violating U.S. antitrust laws by charging up to 30 percent commission on in-app payments.

Apple had initially banned Fortnite in 2020 but permitted it back in the App Store last year after pressure from European Union regulators enforcing the Digital Markets Act.

Despite the ongoing legal disputes, Epic Games recently won a case against Apple earlier this month.