You may be using an iPhone equipped with a screen supplied by the Chinese manufacturer BOE. This technical detail, usually unimportant to consumers, could soon become problematic in the United States. The American International Trade Commission (ITC) has just released a decision preliminary which risks disrupting Apple’s sales. This conflict directly affects Apple, which uses BOE screens in several recent iPhone models.
This situation is reminiscent of other legal battles Apple has faced. In December 2023, the firm was forced to temporarily withdraw its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra from the American market following a similar complaint from the company Masimo concerning blood oxygen measurement technology.
Recent iPhones directly affected
The ITC recommendsban the import of OLED screens from BOE as well as the devices that contain them. This decision follows a complaint filed by Samsung Display, in reality much earlier in the year, but whose preliminary recommendation was not made public until July 17, 2025. Samsung accuses BOE of having misappropriated its confidential OLED screen technology.
This ban would directly affect certain iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 16, 16 Plus and 16e currently sold in the United States. If the decision is confirmed, Apple would have to reorganize its supply chain. The firm could either export models equipped with BOE screens to other countries, or ensure that all iPhones sold in the United States use screens from other suppliers.
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Variable consequences for future iPhone 17s
For the future iPhone 17 range, the situation differs depending on the model. The standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air should be spared as they will use 120Hz displays with LTPO technology, an area where BOE is not yet a supplier to Apple for the US market.
On the other hand, BOE plans to start providing LTPO displays for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, but only for models sold in China. Apple has reportedly judged that these screens do not meet its quality criteria for other global markets. The American iPhone 17 Pros would therefore use screens from other suppliers.
A final decision is expected in November 2025followed by a period of 60 days during which Donald Trump will be able to approve or reject the verdict. This case is reminiscent of the temporary ban on the iPhone 12 in France by the ANFR.
By: Keleops AG
