Infringement of OLED technology: Apple supplier faces US import ban
Samsung Display, itself a supplier to Apple, is taking action against products from Chinese screen manufacturer BOE. This has implications for Apple.
Chinese flag next to an iPhone: BOE remains a problem child for Apple.
(Image: oasisamuel / Shutterstock)
iPhones with screens made by Beijing-based BOE Technology (Beijing Oriental Electronics Group Company Limited) could be subject to an import ban in the United States in the future. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in Washington has made a preliminary decision to this effect.
According to reports in South Korea's ETNews, the Chinese BOE Group is alleged to have stolen OLED trade secrets from South Korean manufacturer Samsung Display and misused them. According to the ITC, which regulates market access for foreign companies in the United States, this violates US customs law. This is not yet an order, but a recommendation. However, it states that the competent executive authority should impose an import ban.
Scope of affected devices unclear
Initially, it remained unclear which models would be specifically affected. Apple had recently equipped mainly Chinese iPhones with domestic displays after repeated problems with BOE's production. In the meantime, the relationship of trust between Apple and BOE appeared to have broken down because the company did not adhere to Apple's clear specifications. Most recently, there were reports of production defects (known as light leakage) in panels for iPhone 15 models.
Samsung Display had filed complaints with the ITC after the OLED panel specialist, which also works for Apple, found that BOE had apparently violated its rights. A legal dispute has been ongoing since 2023. If the ITC imposes the import ban, it would affect not only OLED panels from BOE, but also finished devices. However, hardware that has already been imported may continue to be distributed.
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Goods primarily intended for China
According to a report by Macrumors, "some" of the iPhones sold in the US in the 15, 15 Plus, 16, 16 Plus, and 16e series are equipped with BOE panels, and possibly also parts of the iPhone 17 production, which will be released in September. BOE has been constantly striving for more orders.
BOE is not yet able to manufacture the latest display technology based on LTPO, which also enables a variable refresh rate. Apple is said to have recently considered using LTPO OLEDs from BOE for the first time in the iPhone 17 Pro, which are intended only for the Chinese market. However, they are said to have failed to meet benchmarks. Apple uses Samsung Display and LG Display as panel suppliers.
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