Apple Hit With Record $5.7B Patent Verdict in Taction Case
Apple Hit With Record $5.7B Patent Verdict in Taction Case A seven-person federal jury in San Diego found that the Taptic Engine inside iPhones and Apple Watches infringes two patents held by tiny Taction Technology — and set the largest patent-infringement award in American history. Apple says the verdict is "entirely unsupported by the facts" and will appeal. The money, if it ever changes hands, is years away. Update, Sept. 28 Context on the technology at the center of the case: the Taptic Engine replaced the old spinning vibration motor, debuting in the Apple Watch in 2014 and reaching the iPhone with the 6s in 2015, per gagadget — which also dates the Federal Circuit's revival of Taction's case to August 2025. No post-verdict motion has been reported as of September 28. Apple is expected to appeal, and the $5.7 billion award remains subject to the full post-trial process before it becomes anything resembling a final judgment. Published September 28, 2026 · ...