Apple ordered to pay $5.7bn after losing vibration tech patent suit

Apple is required to pay $5.7 billion in damages following a US jury's decision that the company exploited another firm's technology without authorization. Taction Technology, an audio firm, accused Apple of infringing two of its patents related to haptics systems in 2021. These systems, which create vibrations for actions like receiving a notification or pressing a button, are incorporated into devices like iPhones and Apple Watches.

Apple disputed the allegations, stating it had not used Taction's vibration technology and would appeal the verdict. Apple's Taptic Engine, responsible for haptic feedback in its devices, was first introduced with the Apple Watch in 2014 and has since been enhanced. Taction alleged that Apple's advancements in haptics technology enabled the company to capitalize on Taction's innovations, violating its patents.

Despite a San Diego judge's ruling in 2023 that Apple did not infringe on Taction's patents, the case was appealed to a federal appeals circuit, leading to a September trial at the US District Court for the Southern District of California. The jury found in Taction's favor, awarding the damages on Friday. This verdict is part of a series of lawsuits Apple has faced in recent years.

In November 2025, Apple was ordered to pay $634 million to medical technology firm Masimo for infringing a patent related to blood-oxygen reading technology.