A federal jury in San Diego ordered Apple to pay $5.72 billion to Taction Technology for infringing two haptic patents through the Taptic Engine in iPhones and Apple Watches. The Sept. 26 verdict is the largest U.S. patent verdict in history, topping the previous $2.54 billion record from 2016.

The case began when Taction sued Apple in 2021. Judge Todd W. Robinson granted Apple summary judgment in 2023, but the Federal Circuit revived the case in August 2025. The trial started Sept. 14, and a seven-person jury deliberated for two days before ruling.

Crucially, the jury found the infringement was not willful, so treble damages do not apply. The $5.72 billion award is the ceiling. The suit was financed by litigation funder Burford Capital.

Apple said, “Apple does not use Taction’s technology, and we will appeal.” The company called the damages “entirely unsupported by the facts.” The award amounts to roughly 0.1% of Apple’s $4.98 trillion market capitalization. An appeal could take years, and Apple could seek to reduce or overturn the award in further proceedings.