Apple iPhone 16e
Amid rising tensions between display titans, a recent ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has raised speculation regarding the future of iPhones in the US market that use BOE-supplied screens. This involves charges that Chinese display manufacturer BOE violated Samsung Display’s trade secrets relating to OLED technology. However, Apple has stated that iPhones and other products will not be affected, but the tone of the verdict concerns supporters.
For the uninitiated, the ITC has issued two major orders against BOE: a limited exclusion order, which could prevent the import of infringing iPhones into the United States, and a cease-and-desist order, which forbids the use of existing inventory and future sales. These orders come with charges that BOE, which supplies OLED panels to iPhones, utilised confidential Samsung technology in its screens. According to sources, the final finding is likely in November, after which the US President would have 60 days to adopt or veto the decision.
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According to 9to5Mac, Apple declared that “Apple is not a party to this case, and the order has no impact on any Apple products.” However, industry watchers point out that BOE presently supplies panels for devices such as the iPhone 16e and has been permitted to supply LTPO OLED screens for Chinese models of the future iPhone 17 Pro series. However, some displays reportedly did not meet Apple’s global model specifications.
However, it should be noted that Apple is not completely reliant on BOE; it also sources its displays from Samsung and LG. This prospective prohibition may impact how Apple plans manufacturing, suppliers, and the future, especially as reports regarding the iPhone Fold spread.
Samsung Display, on the other hand, has filed an additional lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, claiming lost earnings and punitive damages as a result of the claimed trade secrets violations.
According to experts, such rulings are seldom overturned, and if finalised, iPhones with BOE panels, particularly regular non-ProMotion models, may not be sold in the United States. Other regions are unaffected.