Apple Could Owe Even More After $5.7 Billion Patent Verdict

Apple could face additional payments on top of a $5.7 billion patent verdict, with Taction Technology asking a federal judge for more damages, interest, and royalties on future iPhone and Apple Watch sales.

The request follows a September jury verdict that Apple's Taptic Engine infringed two Taction patents covering haptic feedback, the technology that produces taps and vibrations in devices. Apple disputes the verdict and is seeking to have it overturned or obtain a new trial.

According to Reuters, Taction says the $5.7 billion award covers sales from 2021 through to late March 2026. It now wants compensation for approximately six more months of sales that were not included in the jury's initial calculation.

Taction is also asking for interest on the damages at an annual rate of 7%, citing California law. That could increase the amount by hundreds of millions of dollars. Separately, it wants interest to continue accumulating after the court enters its final judgment until Apple pays.

The company's request also extends to future sales. Taction wants Apple to pay royalties on devices using the disputed technology until the patents expire on September 24, 2035. Under its proposal, Apple would report U.S. sales every quarter and pay within 30 days of the quarter ending.

Moreover, Taction argues that newer models, including the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12, should also be covered because their relevant technology has not changed enough to escape the patent claims. To support that position, it points to Apple's earlier litigation against Samsung, in which Apple argued that royalties should extend to newer products with essentially the same infringing technology.

Apple maintains that its Taptic Engine is fundamentally different from Taction's technology. It has also challenged the size of the jury's award, arguing that the evidence did not support the $5.7 billion calculation, and has said it will appeal.