Some models of the iPhone 15, 16, and 17 could face a ban in the United States following a preliminary ruling by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC). The ruling found that Chinese display manufacturer BOE violated Samsung’s OLED trade secrets. As a result, a recommendation was made for both a restricted exclusion order and a cease and desist order against BOE, which would prevent the import of infringing OLED panels into the U.S. and halt the sale of existing inventories.
The ITC determined that products incorporating BOE’s OLED panels and components are implicated in this infringement. While existing devices utilizing these panels may be exempt from the import ban, the ruling raises significant concerns for Apple’s iPhone supply chain, particularly since many iPhone 15 models currently sold in the U.S. use BOE displays. The challenges for Apple will intensify as the iPhone 17 lineup is announced.
Should the ITC ruling be upheld, Apple will need to find alternative display suppliers or redirect its BOE-sourced iPhones to markets outside the United States. Currently, BOE also plans to supply Apple with advanced low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) displays for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models, primarily intended for the Chinese market. The ITC’s preliminary ruling follows a complaint from Samsung Display, alleging BOE’s unlawful use of its OLED manufacturing technology.
Samsung’s legal actions, which expanded in April 2025, seek damages for lost profits and unjust enrichment. If Apple has to replace BOE in its supply chain for U.S. iPhones, it may turn to Samsung and LG, both of which already supply OLED panels for various models. The final decision from the ITC is expected in November 2025.
Following that, the U.S. President will have 60 days to either approve or veto the ruling.
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