Apple Ordered to Pay $5.7 Billion in Haptic Tech Patent Case
Apple has been directed to pay $5.7 billion (£4.3 billion) after a U.S. jury ruled it utilized another firm's technology without permission.
Background
- 2021 Claim: Audio company Taction Technology accused Apple of patent infringement regarding haptics systems.
- Patents in Question: Two patents were said to be used by Apple for vibrations in devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Apple's Response
Apple denied using Taction's technology and plans to appeal the verdict, stating:
"While we thank the jury for their consideration, we strongly disagree with today's verdict... Apple's Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction's technology..."
Haptics Explained
- Definition: Haptics allow users to interact with devices through touch simulations via vibrations.
- Usage: Present in smartphones, watches, and game controllers.
Case Details
- Taction's Claim: They argued Apple's improvements led to better haptic feedback, thus benefiting from their technology without a license.
- Legal Battle: A San Diego judge initially ruled against Taction, but an appeal led to a jury trial in 2023.
- Verdict: The jury found Apple infringed the patents unintentionally.
Similar Lawsuits
This is one of many patent cases Apple has faced recently, including a $634 million order to pay medical tech firm Masimo in November 2025 for infringing blood-oxygen reading technology.