Apple Ordered to Pay $5.7 Billion in Haptic Feedback Patent Lawsuit

Apple has been ordered by a U.S. jury to pay $5.7 billion in damages after a patent infringement lawsuit brought by audio firm Taction Technology. The jury found that Apple utilized Taction's patented technology for haptic systems, which simulate touch feedback through vibrations in electronic devices, without permission.

Taction Technology filed its lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Apple infringed two of its patents related to haptic systems. These systems are integrated into devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing tactile feedback for actions like receiving notifications or pressing virtual buttons. Taction claimed that Apple's improvements to its "Taptic Engine" system, which first debuted in 2014, infringed upon patents it was issued in 2020. The firm asserted that Apple had been capitalizing on Taction's innovations by selling infringing devices.

Apple has stated its disagreement with the verdict and announced its intention to appeal. In a statement, the company said, "While we thank the jury for their consideration, we strongly disagree with today's verdict and the damages awarded, which are entirely unsupported by the facts." Apple further contended that its "Taptic Engine" is fundamentally different from Taction's technology, citing Taction's own testing of Apple products during the trial as evidence.

Haptics have become a standard feature in modern electronics, enhancing user interaction through vibrations generated by small motors responding to electronic signals. This technology is now common in smartphones, smartwatches, and gaming controllers.

A judge initially ruled in 2023 that Apple did not infringe upon Taction's patents. However, this decision was appealed to a federal circuit, leading to the recent jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The jury did not find that Apple had willfully infringed the patents in question.

This case is one of several patent disputes Apple has faced in recent years. In November 2025, the company was ordered to pay $634 million to medical technology firm Masimo following a jury finding that Apple had infringed a patent for blood-oxygen reading technology in its smartwatches.