11:47 AM EDT, 03/21/2024 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with details in headline, first paragraph, second paragraph and Apple's ( AAPL ) statement in the third and fourth paragraphs.)

The US Department of Justice and attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Thursday against Apple ( AAPL ) for allegedly violating US antitrust laws.

The lawsuit alleges Apple ( AAPL ) violated antitrust laws by restricting its rivals' access to the iPhone's hardware and software features and aims to free smartphone markets from the iPhone maker's alleged anticompetitive behavior, according to a case filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Apple ( AAPL ) said in an email to MT Newswires that the suit "threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple ( AAPL ) products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple ( AAPL ) -- where hardware, software, and services intersect,"

The suit could also "set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people's technology. We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it," Apple ( AAPL ) said

Shares of Apple ( AAPL ) fell 3.3% in recent trading.

Price: 172.87, Change: -5.80, Percent Change: -3.24