A federal jury awarded Taction Technology more than $5.7 billion after finding Apple infringed claims from two haptics patents tied to its iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple plans to appeal the verdict.
Key facts
- A federal jury awarded Taction Technology more than $5.7 billion.
- The jury found Apple infringed claims from two haptics patents.
- The case involves haptics technology in the iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Apple plans to appeal the verdict.
- The verdict was reported by CNBC on September 26, 2026.
Apple has been ordered to pay more than $5.7 billion after a federal jury found the company infringed patents related to haptics technology used in its devices, according to CNBC. The verdict marks one of the larger patent damages awards levied against the company.
The jury sided with Taction Technology, finding that Apple infringed claims from two of the company’s haptics patents. Haptics refers to the touch-based feedback technology that produces the taps and vibrations users feel when interacting with devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch.
According to CNBC, the dispute centered on haptics features in the iPhone and Apple Watch, products that rely on such feedback for notifications and on-screen interactions.
Apple plans to appeal the verdict, CNBC reported. Appeals in patent cases can take considerable time and can result in awards being reduced or overturned before any payment is made.
CNBC reported the verdict on September 26, 2026. The outlet did not detail further procedural steps or a timeline for the appeal in the material provided.
Why it matters
A $5.7 billion award is a significant figure even for a company of Apple's size, and it highlights the continued legal risk that patent disputes pose to major technology firms. Because Apple plans to appeal, the final outcome and any payment remain uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
How much did the jury award Taction Technology?
The federal jury awarded Taction Technology more than $5.7 billion, according to CNBC.
What technology was at the center of the case?
The case involved haptics patents, the touch-feedback technology used in Apple's iPhone and Apple Watch. The jury found Apple infringed claims from two of Taction Technology's haptics patents.
Will Apple pay the award?
Apple plans to appeal the verdict, according to CNBC, so the final outcome remains uncertain.

