ITC Ruling May Impact Apple’s iPhone Imports Over OLED Dispute
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary ruling that could significantly affect Apple’s iPhone sales in the United States. According to the decision, Chinese display maker BOE Technology was found to have infringed on trade secrets belonging to Samsung Display, specifically relating to OLED panel technology.
📜 What the ITC Ruling Means
The ruling includes two key legal directives:
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Limited Exclusion Order: Prohibits the import of iPhones using the infringing BOE displays into the U.S.
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Cease and Desist Order: Restricts Apple from selling or using inventory of those models within the U.S. market.
Although the orders are not yet active, a final decision is expected in November. If confirmed, the case will enter a 60-day presidential review period, during which the President of the United States (currently Donald Trump) can choose to veto the decision. While rare, presidential vetoes are legally possible.
📱 Apple’s Supply Chain in Focus
Apple currently sources OLED panels from Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. BOE primarily supplies displays for standard iPhone models without ProMotion technology, including the iPhone 16e. If the ITC ruling is enforced, only BOE-equipped iPhones intended for the U.S. market would be affected.
iPhones that use displays from Samsung or LG, or those sold outside the U.S., are not impacted by this ruling. Apple may need to reallocate production across its suppliers to avoid disruption.
🌏 Impact on China and Future Models
According to recent supply chain insights, Apple plans to use BOE displays in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, which is expected to be sold exclusively in China. Since the ITC decision only applies to U.S. imports, these models are not affected.
Additionally, Apple’s rumored iPhone Fold is said to feature Samsung Display panels, which keeps it clear of the current dispute.
⚖️ Civil Litigation in Progress
In a separate legal action, Samsung Display has filed a lawsuit against BOE in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit seeks monetary damages for the alleged misuse of proprietary OLED technology, which could further escalate the legal challenges for BOE.
🧠 What’s Next?
If the ruling is finalized, Apple may need to restructure its display sourcing strategy to ensure continued U.S. availability of its flagship products. With a final decision due in November 2025, industry stakeholders and consumers alike will be watching closely.
