Apple Faces Potential US Ban on iPhones with BOE Displays After ITC Ruling

Apple may soon be forced to stop selling iPhones equipped with BOE displays in the United States, following a preliminary ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC found that Chinese display maker BOE infringed on Samsung Display’s trade secrets related to OLED technology.

The ruling includes two key directives:

1. A Limited Exclusion Order – This would block the import of iPhones with the infringing BOE panels into the US.

2. A Cease and Desist Order – This would prevent Apple from selling or using iPhones with BOE displays already in inventory.

While these orders are not yet in effect, the final ruling is expected in November 2025. Historically, preliminary ITC decisions are rarely overturned. Following the final ruling, there will be a two-month review period during which the US President (currently Donald Trump) can veto the decision, although such interventions are uncommon.

Apple sources its iPhone displays from multiple suppliers, including Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE. BOE is known for producing standard OLED panels used in base iPhone models, such as the iPhone 16e. According to recent reports from leaker @Jukanlosreve, Apple has approved BOE’s displays for the iPhone 17 Pro — but only for units sold in China, where the ITC ruling does not apply. This could hint at a shift in Apple’s sourcing strategy due to legal pressures in the US market.

Meanwhile, Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone remains unaffected, as it is expected to use OLED panels supplied exclusively by Samsung Display.

In addition to the ITC case, Samsung Display has also filed a separate lawsuit against BOE in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The lawsuit seeks damages for lost profits and punitive compensation related to BOE’s alleged IP infringement.

This ongoing legal battle could have major implications for Apple’s display supply chain and iPhone availability in the United States