Some iPhones Could Be Banned in the U.S. Over Stolen Trade Secrets
US Could Ban Some iPhone Models Over Stolen Trade Secrets
Several iPhone models, including some iPhone 15, 16, and potentially 17 models, could face a ban in the United States. This is due to a preliminary ruling by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) that accuses the Chinese display manufacturer BOE of stealing trade secrets from Samsung.
The ITC Ruling and its Implications
The ITC’s preliminary ruling found that BOE and seven of its subsidiaries violated U.S. trade laws by misusing Samsung Display's confidential OLED technology. The ruling proposes two key actions: a restricted exclusion order, preventing the import of BOE's infringing OLED panels and modules into the U.S., and a cease-and-desist order, halting BOE from selling existing stock or supplying future shipments to U.S. assemblers.
The ITC’s ruling includes OLED panels and modules, as well as devices and components using these panels. While products already manufactured with BOE panels are exempt from the immediate import ban, the long-term impact on Apple's iPhone line is significant. This is particularly concerning because several currently available iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 16, 16 Plus, and 16e models sold in the U.S. use BOE-supplied OLED displays.
Apple's Challenge: Managing the BOE Supply
The situation poses a considerable challenge for Apple. Many iPhones using BOE displays will likely still be on shelves after the launch of the iPhone 17 line in the fall. If the ITC ruling stands, Apple will be forced to redirect BOE-equipped iPhones to markets outside the U.S. and ensure that all U.S.-bound models use displays from alternative suppliers, such as Samsung and LG.
It remains uncertain whether the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models will be affected. Currently, BOE only supplies Apple with displays lacking advanced low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology, which enables the variable refresh rate marketed by Apple as "ProMotion." The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to feature ProMotion technology.
BOE's Ambitious Plans and China-Specific Supply
BOE aims to supply Apple with LTPO displays for the first time this year, targeting the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models sold exclusively in China. According to reports, Apple plans to limit these BOE-supplied iPhone 17 Pro models to the Chinese market because they don't meet Apple's performance standards for LTPO technology.
Despite this setback, BOE is significantly increasing its OLED production capacity with the goal of re-establishing itself as a major player in Apple's supply chain. This aggressive expansion demonstrates their commitment to regaining a significant portion of Apple's business, even in the face of this legal challenge.
Timeline and Potential Outcomes
The ITC’s Office of Unfair Import Investigations previously recommended, in December 2024, an import ban on BOE’s OLED displays and devices containing them, supporting Samsung’s claims. While the current ruling is preliminary, ITC decisions rarely change significantly between preliminary and final judgments.
The dispute originates from a complaint filed by Samsung Display in October 2023, alleging that BOE misused its proprietary OLED technology. Samsung further pursued legal action in April 2025, filing a civil suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, seeking damages for lost profits, unjust enrichment, and punitive compensation.
Should Apple be forced to find a BOE replacement for U.S. iPhone production, orders would likely shift to Samsung and LG, already supplying OLED panels for various iPhone models. A final decision is expected in November 2025. Following this, the U.S. President will have 60 days to decide whether to approve or veto the Commission's ruling. This period of uncertainty will keep both Apple and its customers in suspense.
Conclusion
The potential ban of several iPhone models in the U.S. highlights the complexities of international trade and intellectual property rights. The outcome of this case will significantly impact Apple's supply chain, pricing strategies, and consumer choices. The next few months will be critical as the final decision approaches and Apple navigates this intricate legal and logistical challenge.
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