Apple may soon encounter a prohibition on the sale of specific iPhone models in the US stemming from accusations that one of its subsidiaries violated Samsung’s OLED trade secrets. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a preliminary verdict indicating that display producer BOE and seven subsidiaries have infringed upon Samsung Display’s trade secrets, violating Articles 337 of the Customs Act. While this ruling is not definitive, the ITC seldom overturns preliminary decisions. This could result in Apple needing to suspend sales of iPhone models featuring BOE displays in the US, impacting certain iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and potentially iPhone 17 variants.
The scenario echoes a prior complication related to the Apple Watch Series 9 and a blood oxygen patent. Although the ITC is not instructing Apple to disable or replace iPhones that have already been sold, it advocates for a restricted exclusion order and a cease and desist order, which would bar BOE from exporting its modules to the US or selling current inventory to American assemblers.
Apple is probably going to take precautionary steps to refrain from selling iPhone models equipped with BOE displays prior to a potential ban. It is still unclear whether BOE will provide screens for the iPhone 17 series, despite earlier reports indicating it might. The preliminary ruling regarding the misappropriated trade secrets commenced in October 2023, with the ITC endorsing Samsung’s claims in December 2024, culminating in this week’s preliminary ruling.
This development may not considerably influence Apple, as Samsung and LG already supply OLED panels for the majority of iPhone models. The primary repercussions would be felt by BOE, which has had difficulties meeting Apple’s criteria and is striving to reclaim its standing in the supply chain. The conclusive decision is anticipated in November 2025, soon after Apple unveils the iPhone 17 series. Following the verdict, the US President will have 60 days to ratify or reject the Commission’s ruling.
