Like—they lost. Held out until when?

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...

> I wonder what would have happened if Apple entirely pulled out of the EU market over the requirement.

If Apple feels that their phones, even with the NFC accessible, is still more secure than their competitors, then this wouldn't lead to them pulling out of the EU, even if they feel it is an overall reduction in security.