Apple has been ordered to pay $5.7bn in damages after a US jury found it had used another firm's technology without permission. The jury ruled that Apple's use of haptics systems, which enable vibrations for actions such as receiving a message or pressing a button, infringed on patents held by audio firm Taction Technology. This technology is built into devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Taction Technology claimed in 2021 that Apple had infringed two of its patents for haptics systems. The company, which makes headphones and gaming headsets, wrote in its complaint that Apple's improvements to its haptic vibrations had allowed it to improve its overall user experience and capitalise on Taction's innovation and success. Taction accused Apple of using its inventions without license or authority.
Apple has disputed the verdict, saying it had not used Taction's vibration technology and would appeal the decision. In a statement, the company said its Taptic Engine system, which enables haptic feedback in its devices, is fundamentally different from Taction's technology. Apple's Taptic Engine system first debuted with the Apple Watch in 2014 and has since been improved and expanded to other devices.
Haptics allow people to interact with devices by simulating the sense of touch or feel through vibrations. The technology has become a hallmark of modern devices, with smartphones, watches, and video game controllers among those containing small motors that move in response to specific electronic signals. The use of haptics has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
A San Diego judge initially ruled in 2023 that Apple did not infringe upon Taction's patents. However, an appeal was subsequently taken up by a federal appeal circuit, resulting in a September jury trial at the US District Court for the Southern District of California, which found in Taction's favour. The jury did not find that Apple had infringed the patents in question willingly.
The verdict marks one of many similar lawsuits Apple has defended itself against in recent years. In November 2025, a judge ordered Apple to pay $634m to medical tech firm Masimo after a jury found it had infringed a patent for blood-oxygen reading technology. Apple has been approached for further comment on the Taction Technology case.
The case highlights the ongoing disputes between technology companies over patent infringement and the use of innovative technologies. The outcome of the appeal and any potential impact on Apple's business remain to be seen. Key developments in the case include a jury trial and a damages award of $5.7bn.
Key points
- Apple ordered to pay $5.7bn in damages for patent infringement
- Jury finds Apple used Taction Technology's vibration tech without permission
- Apple disputes verdict and plans to appeal decision
