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Jury orders Apple to pay $5.7 billion to gaming headset firm over iPhone haptic feedback patents

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

A jury ruled Apple's haptic technology in the iPhone and Watch infringed patents held by a gaming headset company, resulting in a $5.7 billion damages award.
A jury ruled Apple's haptic technology in the iPhone and Watch infringed patents held by a gaming headset company, resulting in a $5.7 billion damages award.

A San Diego federal jury has ruled that Apple's Taptic Engine technology infringed two patents owned by Taction Technology, a gaming headset company, and ordered Apple to pay $5.7 billion in damages. Apple has vowed to appeal, insisting its Taptic Engine is "fundamentally different" from Taction's patented vibration technology. The verdict marks one of the largest patent damages awards in US tech history.

Taction sued Apple in 2021, claiming Apple was "capitalising on its innovation" by selling iPhones and Apple Watches using its haptic technology without a licence.

Apple won a dismissal in 2023, but a federal appeals court revived the case in 2025, paving the way for last week's jury verdict.

The jury stopped short of finding Apple had willfully infringed the patents, which may limit Taction's ability to seek treble damages on appeal.

Morecnet.comApple Ordered to Pay $5.7 Billion for Infringing Haptics Patent in iPhone, Apple Watch - CNETtimesofindia.indiatimes.comCourt asks Apple to pay $5.7 billion to Taction Technology for using company's patented technology in Apple Watch and iPhones; Apple vows to appeal; says: Thank you, but ...fox2detroit.comApple loses record $5.7B in verdict over patent disputegadgets360.comApple Ordered to Pay $5.7 Billion Over Haptics Patents Used in iPhone, Apple Watch - gadgets360.com
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