Apple asserts that the recent ITC decision pertaining to a potential ban on Chinese display imports will not impede iPhone production.
The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary ruling against Chinese display maker BOE, potentially affecting several iPhone models that use BOE-made OLED displays. The final decision on this matter is expected in November 2025.
The ITC's ruling stems from a finding that BOE and its subsidiaries violated trade secrets belonging to Samsung involving OLED technology. As a result, the ITC has recommended a restricted exclusion order and a cease and desist order. These orders, if upheld, would block BOE from importing infringing OLED panels into the US and prevent the company from selling or supplying these displays to US assemblers.
The ruling affects several iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 16, 16 Plus, 16e, and potentially some iPhone 17 models. If upheld, iPhones containing BOE’s infringing displays could face an import and sales ban in the US, requiring Apple to pull affected units from shelves and seek alternative suppliers for US markets. However, devices already imported before a final ban might still be sold.
Apple, which is not a named party in the ITC case, claims that the ruling will not impact its products significantly. Nevertheless, the decision introduces supply chain and legal risks for Apple in the US. After the ITC’s final decision, there will be a possible 2-month period during which the US President can veto the ban. Given the rarity of overturning preliminary findings, the ban on BOE's infringing displays—and thus certain iPhone models—seems likely unless a veto occurs.
It is worth noting that what happens in China has nothing to do with the ITC's ruling for US imports. However, there are speculations that weak LTPO performance benchmarks might lead to consequences for iPhone models in the Chinese market.
BOE has been producing OLED displays for the iPhone since 2021, and Apple has authorized the company to produce LTPO displays for the Chinese versions of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The specifics of the potential consequences for iPhones in the Chinese market are not yet clear.
References: [1] Apple Insider. (2025, October 1). ITC issues preliminary ruling against BOE, recommends restricted exclusion order. Retrieved from https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/01/itc-issues-preliminary-ruling-against-boe-recommends-restricted-exclusion-order
[2] 9to5Mac. (2025, October 1). ITC recommends a ban on BOE OLED panels used in iPhones. Retrieved from https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/01/itc-recommends-ban-on-boe-oled-panels-used-in-iphones/
[3] The Verge. (2025, October 1). The ITC has recommended a ban on BOE OLED displays used in iPhones. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/10/1/22026038/itc-recommends-ban-boe-oled-displays-used-in-iphones
[4] CNET. (2025, October 1). ITC recommends a ban on BOE OLED displays used in iPhones. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/itc-recommends-ban-on-boe-oled-displays-used-in-iphones/
The ITC's recommended orders could pose significant challenges for BOE's business in finance, as it would restrict the company from supplying OLED displays to US assemblers, such as Apple. If the final decision in November 2025 upholds these orders, it could lead to potential business losses for BOE in the technology sector, particularly in the US market.
The potential ban on certain iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, 16, and 17, due to the use of BOE’s infringing displays, introduces legal and supply chain risks for not only BOE but also its clients like Apple, which could face disruptions in their business operations and sales within the US.
