You don't "challenge them on it". You just file for unemployment.
They have to prove it's not constructive dismissal to the unemployment department. No, the government arbiter will not like Apple claiming it's not a hardship. This is a slam dunk case and may result in a fine due to the WARN act.
This is essentially a layoff. Employees signed employment contracts to work in a particular location. You can't just move that location out of the local area.