"Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission... sadly, Fortnite on iOS will be offline worldwide until Apple unblocks it," Epic posted on X.

The company effectively accused Apple of stalling the vetting process it enforces before making an app or game available for users to download.

Apple did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

Epic said last week that it had submitted Fortnite for review for listing in the App Store in the United States.

The publisher has since 2020 been battling tech giants over the commissions they charge for software downloaded through the official stores on operating systems like Apple's iOS and Google's Android -- historically the only way for most users to install programs onto their devices.

It has filed legal cases against both companies and developed its own app store for users to install games without going via the heavyweights' systems, which charge commissions Epic alleged were excessive.

A US federal judge said earlier this month that Apple was failing to comply with an order that emerged from Epic's case, which requires the iPhone maker to allow other avenues for users to buy content or services.

An Apple spokesperson told AFP at the time that it strongly disagrees with the judge's decision and will appeal to a higher court, but would comply.

Other app makers like Swedish music streaming service Spotify have been quick to take advantage of the ruling, which allows them to get around Apple's usual up to 30-percent cut of sales through the official App Store.

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