If Samsung gets its way in the US International Trade Commission (ITC), the Apple iPhone 17 could be banned in the US even before its potential launch timeline. The iPhone 17 series, which is rumoured to consist of the vanilla iPhone 17, a slim new iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, could experience a sales ban ahead of its launch in the US, the reason being its BOE-sourced display panel.
The situation stems from a dispute that involves Samsung Display and China’s BOE – two of the world’s most popular OLED display panel manufacturers, who supply OLED panels to Apple for its iPhones. Samsung Display had alleged BOE infringed on confidential OLED technology for its display, and the ITC’s findings have found BOE guilty.
As reported by TOI, the ITC’s preliminary decision recommends prohibiting the import of infringing OLED panels, forcing BOE to halt sales of its existing inventory in the US. This decision could substantially affect Apple, as various iPhone models currently on the market, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e, rely on BOE-supplied OLED displays.
What’s even more concerning is that these devices are expected to remain on sale following the iPhone 17’s launch. Only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with Samsung Display panels are greenlit for sales in the US.
Apple, however, has given a media statement, saying, “Apple is not a party to this case and the order has no impact on any Apple products”.
Will Apple rely heavily on Samsung for US iPhones?
While the ITC is expected to take a final decision by November 2025, Apple has barely a few months left to switch its display supply partner. BOE has significantly increased its involvement in Apple’s supply chain, with plans to supply advanced LTPO OLED panels for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, industry insiders say that the LTPO panels don’t meet Apple’s benchmarks and could be restricted to the units sold in China only.
If BOE faces a total ban, Apple would have to rely on Samsung and LG for getting OLED display panels for its current-gen and upcoming iPhone models.
