iPhones with Chinese displays could be banned from the US.
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary ruling that could prevent Apple from importing and selling certain iPhone models in the United States.
The ruling concludes that Chinese display manufacturer BOE Technology infringed on Samsung Display’s trade secrets related to OLED panel technology.
Two directives
The ITC ruling includes two directives: a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order. The exclusion order prohibits Apple from importing iPhones with infringing BOE displays into the US.
The cease and desist order restricts Apple from using existing inventory and engaging in related production or sales activities within the US market.
Although the orders are not yet active, a final decision is expected in November. If confirmed, the ruling will trigger a 60-day presidential review period, during which President Donald Trump will have the authority to veto the import ban. Such vetoes are rare but remain within presidential discretion.
Apple’s Display Supply Chain Under Pressure
Apple sources OLED panels from Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. BOE primarily supplies non-ProMotion displays for standard iPhone models. Notably, the company provided the majority of panels for the iPhone 16e.
The ban, if finalized, would apply to iPhones using BOE displays and intended for sale in the US. It does not apply to models using panels from Samsung or LG, nor to devices sold outside the US.
As a result, Apple may be required to adjust production allocations among its suppliers to comply with the ruling and avoid potential disruptions in the US market.
Future Models in China Likely Unaffected
A recent supply chain report indicated that Apple has approved BOE panels for use in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, which will be sold exclusively in China. Since the ITC order applies only to US imports, the Chinese market will remain unaffected.
Similarly, the anticipated iPhone Fold will reportedly use OLED panels from Samsung Display, shielding it from the dispute.
Ongoing Civil Litigation Against BOE
In parallel to the ITC case, Samsung Display has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
The company is seeking compensation for lost profits and punitive damages, citing BOE’s alleged misappropriation of proprietary OLED technologies.
