Italy’s Labor Dispute Added a Twist to Apple (AAPL)’s iPhone Launch

On September 18, 2026, Reuters reported that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s Italian Apple Store employees went on strike over working conditions on the global launch day of the iPhone 18 Pro. More than 1,600 workers across all 17 Apple stores in Italy are refusing to work for the full day. Three trade unions coordinated the action, staging pickets outside flagship stores in Milan and Rome. Apple said its stores would "operate normally" and remain open to customers. Don't Miss: Apple (AAPL)'s New CEO Bets Big on a $1,999 Foldable iPhoneApple (AAPL) Faces an Italian Strike on iPhone Launch Day. How Much Does It Matter? Bull Case Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) limited the strike's immediate operational effect on the iPhone 18 Pro launch.