I was thinking the way Google didn't (initially) stay in China after being required to censor results. It seemed as if Google at least held out for a while before adapting to 'be less evil'.

Searching the Google story now, I see that this view may be inaccurate[0]. Perhaps Apple has learned from Google's lesson and didn't postpone their decision.

I wonder what would have happened if Apple entirely pulled out of the EU market over the requirement. Would there have been a civil uproar, or would citizens use iPhones bought elsewhere, or a different next phone? Some other companies when faced with a principle eroding requirement chose to shut down the company rather than comply (usually related to encryption/privacy).

[0] https://www.technologyreview.com/2018/12/19/138307/how-googl...