A recent preliminary ruling by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) suggests that certain iPhone models, including the 15, 16, and 17 series, might face a ban in the U.S. due to allegations of trade secret infringement by the Chinese display manufacturer BOE. This ruling stems from a complaint by Samsung Display, which claims BOE misappropriated proprietary OLED technology.
The ITC’s findings indicate that BOE and its subsidiaries have violated the U.S. Tariff Act by unlawfully using Samsung’s confidential OLED trade secrets.
As a result, the ruling recommends a restricted exclusion order that would block the import of infringing OLED panels and modules into the U.S., along with a cease and desist order preventing BOE from selling its existing inventories or supplying future products to U.S. assemblers. The potential implications of this ruling are significant for Apple, particularly as some of the iPhone models currently sold in the U.S. utilize OLED displays supplied by BOE.
If the ruling is upheld, Apple may have to redirect affected products to other markets and find alternative display suppliers for its U.S. sales. For the upcoming iPhone 17 series, which is expected to feature advanced low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology, the situation could complicate Apple’s supply chain.
As of now, BOE only provides Apple with displays that do not incorporate this advanced technology. Samsung’s allegations originated from a legal complaint filed in October 2023, and further legal action was taken in April 2025 with a civil suit seeking damages for lost profits and other claims.
A final decision from the ITC is anticipated in November 2025, after which the U.S. President will have the authority to approve or veto the ruling. In the meantime, Apple may need to consider sourcing OLED panels from its current suppliers, Samsung and LG, to mitigate the risks associated with the ruling.
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