Italian Apple Store Employees Strike Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro Launch

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro launch day saw a surprise protest from Italian store employees. Over 1,600 workers across 17 stores in Italy walked off the job to protest deteriorating working conditions. The strike coincided with the global release of the new iPhone model.

The unions representing the employees, Filcams CGIL, Fisascat CISL, and Uiltucs, called for better working conditions, additional hiring, and permanent contracts for staff. They claim that new iPhone launches create more work for retail staff without proper attention to employee well-being.

An Apple spokesperson stated that stores remained open during the strike, welcoming customers as usual. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at €1,489 ($1,710) in Italy and is available worldwide starting Friday.