Two Apple retail stores in France were looted this week as demonstrations over the rising cost of living escalated into vandalism and theft in several cities.
The incidents affected Apple stores in Bordeaux and Lille, both of which were among the many businesses targeted during the unrest, according to French financial media.
The extent of the damage remains unclear, and no confirmed details indicate which products were stolen. Apple has not publicly commented on either incident.
Bordeaux Apple Store Targeted Again
At Apple’s Sainte-Catherine store in Bordeaux, this isn’t the first time protests have led to looting.
Protesters targeted the same location in December 2018 during France’s yellow vest movement, which began over rising fuel costs and evolved into months of demonstrations over broader economic grievances.
That earlier wave of unrest caused extensive damage to businesses and public infrastructure across France, with losses running into hundreds of millions of euros.
Nearly eight years later, the Bordeaux store has again been caught up in protests that have spread beyond their original economic demands.
The latest incidents were not directed exclusively at Apple. Other retailers and businesses were also targeted, suggesting the thefts were part of a broader outbreak of opportunistic looting rather than a coordinated action against the company.
Incidents Come Just Before iPhone Duo Launch
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Apple, which is preparing to release its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, on October 23.
Apple stores worldwide have been preparing for the launch, with customers already warned that walk-in availability could be limited for those without pre-orders.
It’s unclear whether the incidents will affect launch-day operations at the Bordeaux or Lille stores.
Neither Apple nor French authorities have provided confirmed figures for the merchandise stolen, property damage, or arrests connected specifically to the two locations.
