2018 and Newer MacBook Pro and MacBook Air Now Eligible for Apple's Keyboard Service Program

[Ener Ji]

finally, I can by a new MBP to upgrade my 2012MBP, wanting to update for several years now. First Apple didn't have any performance increase over the 2012MBP to offer, than they screwed up with the keyboard. Well well, seems like the long wait is over, finally.
Tim - take my money

I'm in pretty much the same boat, except I'm pretty disappointed that you can't configure the base 15" with Vega GPUs. The six-core i7 is just fine for my needs, and it's annoying that I have to jump to the 8-core to get a Vega GPU. To get a Vega GPU model the price jumps above $3,100 + tax, which is getting hard to justify.

I'm also concerned the eight-core version might have less thermal headroom, but I'm going to wait for some in-depth performance reviews to determine whether that's the case.

 

[panjandrum]

If only typing on these was not like pounding your fingers on cement.

The butterfly keyboard sucks even without the failure issues it’s had. It’s a HORRIBLE input device, period.

Well, let's hope that they've addressed the lack of movement and tactile response. Apple does sometimes come around and fix major design flaws. But my guess is that they haven't. Unfortunately the current management at Apple seems to see their hardware more as an expression of art than a tool of productivity. The butterfly keyboard is, without any doubt, the worst keyboard I've ever typed on. It's breathtakingly bad.

Luckily I almost never have to use them. Our school has managed to put-off purchasing Macs with butterfly keyboards in all but 2 cases by locating NOS (New Old Stock) systems or purchasing prior-model MacBook Airs (still available in the Education channel) where we previously would have purchased a bottom-end 13" MacBook Pro.

 

[jsalda]

I wish they would upgrade the Gen1 and Gen2 keyboards to Gen3.5. If they'd do that, I'd take the keyboard condom off my 2017, grab a bag of Nacho Cheese (maybe Taco) flavored Doritos and start typing away as I scheduled my Genius Bar appointment.

 

[Eidorian]

I like how the model they just released is already on the keyboard "recall". I see the refurbished 2018 13" MBP prices just dropped $40 since yesterday. It might be time to take my chances to replace my 2013 13" MBP.

 

[2ilent8cho]

But I thought only a “small percentage” of customers were affected???

Apple sell around 4 Million Mac's every 3 months, since we have no figures lets guess at 50% of these being one of the Macbooks with the butterfly keyboard. If it effected just 1% of them it would be 20,000 a quarter or around a quarter of a million Macbooks over 3 years.

 

[cam0217]

I got a 2016 macbook pro that has been repaired twice already! I paid 350€ (since I'm from Europe) to get the applecare protection plan ONLY because I do not trust one second that those keyboards will ever be repaired for good!

I talked to them on the phone multiple times and the only solution they found were to hang up the phone when I complained too long about the fact that they repair the computer with the exact same faulty keyboard they put on EVERY laptop since 3 years already! This is so classy! This is how you convince people to buy again at premium prices!

My laptop is up on eBay and I'm back to my old macbook pro 2010 that never had any issues. When it dies I'll probably just go back to archlinux!
There was a time when Apple did cost more than windows laptops but it was worth it... It does not anymore AND that touchbar... What a joke!

 

[Eldiablojoe]

I got a 2016 macbook pro that has been repaired twice already! I paid 350€ (since I'm from Europe) to get the applecare protection plan ONLY because I do not trust one second that those keyboards will ever be repaired for good!

I talked to them on the phone multiple times and the only solution they found were to hang up the phone when I complained too long about the fact that they repair the computer with the exact same faulty keyboard they put on EVERY laptop since 3 years already! This is so classy! This is how you convince people to buy again at premium prices!

My laptop is up on eBay and I'm back to my old macbook pro 2010 that never had any issues. When it dies I'll probably just go back to archlinux!
There was a time when Apple did cost more than windows laptops but it was worth it... It does not anymore AND that touchbar... What a joke!

I have a 2017 15-inch MBP. I have the AppleCare for it. I only have issues with one key - the period (.). I have to hit it harder than the others. I had the problem and took it into an Apple store a year or so ago. They took it in the back to "try" something (probably canned air), and it worked again until just a few weeks ago.

I wonder, should I hang onto it until the 4year period is almost up, and then bring it in - maybe they will be all done with the 2017's by then and offer me a newer model?

 

[RowellE]

If we purchase a new MacBook, can we have them change the keyboard right then and there, or do we have to wait around four years to see it it fails?

 

[Eidorian]

I had a chance to try out the new keyboard at Fry's. I have no clue how this passed the design phase. Maybe they're trying to imitate a touchscreen with just a touch of haptic feedback.

 

[whichweather]

Hi does anyone know how long this service takes to get done?

 

[Costino1]

Funny ive been touting the butterfly keyboard as a good device. Im the odd-ball who likes the feel of it and had 0 complaints.

However 11 months since purchasing it, my "E" key got stuck today. Oh boy.

 

[iJustines]

Apple needs to stop selling any product associated with the butterfly keyboard. That's beyond ridiculous for the price with a high potential of failing.