Key Takeaways
1. Apple is facing challenges with its AI goals, rising tariffs, and potential removal of certain iPhone models from the US market.
2. A preliminary ruling from the US International Trade Commission (ITC) indicates that BOE misappropriated OLED technology from Samsung, impacting OLED panel imports.
3. iPhone models using BOE’s OLED displays, like the iPhone 15, 16, and 16e, may be unavailable for purchase in the US.
4. The upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to use LTPO displays, not BOE panels, amid improvements in BOE’s technology.
5. Older iPhone models may still be sold in the US, and Apple may redirect shipments of BOE-sourced OLED models to other countries despite challenges.
Apple has been facing a lot of challenges recently. The tech giant from Cupertino is struggling with its AI goals that haven’t shown much strength, rising tariffs, and now it appears that some of its iPhone models may be pulled from the US market.
Preliminary Ruling Impact
A recent preliminary decision from the US International Trade Commission (ITC), highlighted by MacRumors, revealed that BOE, a display supplier, along with its subsidiaries, broke US regulations by misappropriating OLED technology from Samsung Display. This ruling suggests that imports of OLED panels using this technology should be stopped, and it also calls for halting the sale of existing devices that utilize these panels.
Affected iPhone Models
Consequently, iPhone models that use BOE’s OLED displays, such as the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16e series, will likely be unavailable for purchase in the US. On the brighter side for Apple, the upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to feature LTPO displays that allow ProMotion, and are not likely to include BOE panels. There are talks that BOE is actively working to improve its LTPO technology. Nevertheless, as the company hasn’t convinced Apple of its panels’ performance, it’s doubtful that LTPO displays from BOE will reach smartphones sold outside China.
Future Sales and ITC Decision
Nevertheless, it’s highly probable that some older iPhone models will remain on the market even after the release of the iPhone 17 series. Apple is likely to redirect shipments of iPhones with BOE-sourced OLED panels to other countries, a task that will be quite challenging. According to MacRumors, the ITC’s final ruling is anticipated to come in November of this year, although history suggests that preliminary findings from the ITC typically don’t change much.
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