Apple iPhone ban: Multiple iPhone models may no longer be sold in the US

Apple has been under quite a lot of pressure as of late. The Cupertino giant faces AI ambitions that failed to prove their might, worrisome tariffs, and now, it seems that a few of its iPhone variants will no longer be sold in the United States.

According to a preliminary ruling from the US ITC (International Trade Commission) spotted by MacRumors, it was discovered that display supplier BOE along with several of its subsidiaries breached US laws by embezzling OLED technology from Samsung Display. The ruling recommended blocking imports of the OLED panels utilizing the tech, as well as preventing sale of those that are already on shelves - including devices that contain them.

As such, iPhone variants which utilize OLED displays from BOE, including iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16e families, will most likely no longer be sold in the US. Thankfully for Apple, the upcoming iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air, both of which are rumored to be equipped with LTPO displays which make ProMotion possible, are unlikely to utilize panels from BOE. It has been speculated that BOE is hard at work ramping up its LTPO efforts. However, since the firm has been unable to sway Apple with the performance of its panels, the LTPO displays from BOE are not likely to make it to smartphones sold outside of China.

However, it is almost certain that a few older iPhones will continue being sold even after the launch of the iPhone 17 family. Apple will presumably redirect shipments of iPhones with OLED panels sourced from BOE to other countries, which will be no small task. As MacRumors notes, the final decision from the ITC is expected sometime in November this year, although history is witness that the preliminary report from the ITC is unlikely to change.