Apple could face a major supply chain shake-up in the US, as the International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary ruling that may lead to a ban on iPhones using BOE-manufactured OLED displays. The decision stems from a legal battle between Samsung Display and China’s BOE, with Samsung accusing BOE of misappropriating trade secrets related to OLED panel technology.
The ITC’s ruling includes a cease and desist order and a limited exclusion order, which could block Apple from importing and selling iPhones that use BOE’s disputed panels. BOE currently supplies displays for several iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and the newly launched iPhone 16e. The company is also reportedly set to produce panels for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, though those units are expected to be limited to the Chinese market.
Despite the potential impact, Apple has responded by saying the ruling “has no effect on any Apple products,” clarifying that it is not a party to the case. However, if the final ruling—expected in November 2025—upholds the preliminary decision, Apple may be forced to shift its display sourcing to Samsung and LG, especially for US-bound models.
After the final ruling in November, there’s a 60-day window during which President Trump could veto the decision. Until then, Apple’s reliance on BOE for budget iPhone models could face scrutiny, and the broader implications may ripple across the global tech supply chain.
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