Copycats not allowed: Apple yanks knockoffs of viral puzzle game Wordle from App Store

Apple said it removed several apps ripping off the viral puzzle game Wordle.

Apple confirmed Wordle clones were removed from the App Store in an email to USA TODAY. The tech giant did not specify how many apps it removed or the names of the apps pulled from its digital marketplace.

Wordle is a popular word game available through web browsers where players try to guess a five-letter word in six tries. With each guess, letters change color to signal how close you are to solving the puzzle.

A big reason for its appeal is the ability to share your results on social media.

The success of Wordle also spawned multiple clones on platforms including Apple's App Store and Google Play, as documented in several published reports.

One developer, Zach Shakked, received backlash on Twitter after detailing his efforts to launch an app also named Wordle in the App Store. The app included a subscription option allowing players to take unlimited turns.

Shakked has since apologized for the endeavor. "I realize I crossed a line," wrote Shakked on Twitter. "And I surely, surely will never do anything remotely close to this again."

Some apps containing a play style similar to Wordle can still be found on both the App Store and Google Play.