Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Absolutely! I wish I could join in on this lawsuit.

You'll be in it by default unless you explicitly decline to join the class.

However, the most likely outcome for something like this would not be any sort of cash settlement (except for the lawyers of course) but a repair program that Apple offers for the affected machines. So you'll (eventually) be able to benefit from that.

The real question is when/if Apple will actually have a solution for this. Just replacing a keyboard doesn't help if the new on has the same problem.

I *hope* that Apple is working on updated keyboards that fix this problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JSt83
Am I the only person that has ZERO issues with the butterfly keyboard on the Pro? Was it a process getting used to it from my old Air? -Yes. Was it difficult? -Not really. Granted I've only had my new Pro for a little over a year, but I have not experienced any issues with the keyboard at all. I also eat constantly while using it so chances are crumbs are dropped all over the keyboard almost daily. I guess I'm lucky?
 
Our Take: Apple has yet to launch a repair program for MacBook Pro keyboard issues, either publicly or internally, suggesting that the number of customers affected might not meet its threshold for doing so. But, given the increased attention and lawsuit, Apple may feel obligated to take action soon enough.

Or a couple other options exist:
1) The issue is SO prevalent, with no remedy designed, that Apple does not want to commit itself to the financial burdens of a repair program
2) Apple doesn't view this as a design defect, but rather views this as a user issue ("you're holding it wrong" -> "you're typing wrong")
 
Of course. At the same time Apple has the data on how many are affected. And people who have issues are going to be vocal about it which could make it look like the problem is more wide spread than it really is.

What’s the last class action lawsuit against Apple that went anywhere?
Many of the class action lawsuits have been "successful"... if by "successful" one means causing Apple to finally acknowledge that the issue is indeed a problem. Sometimes legal pressure is required to get a corporation to do the right thing. The lawsuit doesn't have to go to trial in order to be effective.
 
I really like this keyboard when it works, but I've had a few issues with it.

I had a keycap replaced by Apple after it remained depressed on one side and I couldn't fix it with compressed air, and now my left-hand Command key fails to register ~20% of the time, and the '9' key is beginning to feel mushy and is unresponsive on one corner.

I love everything else about this laptop, but Apple will have to fix this considering the cost of these computers. I'd be extremely surprised if a repair program wasn't initiated within a year or so.
 
From the article: "Apple has yet to launch a repair program for MacBook Pro keyboard issues"

My concern would be a program not just for the Pro, but the 12" retina MacBook as well: we have the original that by now is out of Apple Care coverage but definitely continues to have keyboard problems (parts of space key not responding, etc). It has been fixed a couple of times under Apple Care, but I certainly don't want to spend $$ for more fixes.
All persons within the United States who purchased, other than for resale, a model year 2015 or later Apple MacBook, or a model year 2016 or later MacBook Pro laptop, equipped with a "butterfly" keyboard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pat500000
Absolutely! I wish I could join in on this lawsuit.

1. I purchased the new MacBook immediately upon release as my other one was 6 years old and beyond the repair cycle.
2. Purchased the new Touch Bar MBP only to watch Apple release the newer ones with the Kaby Lake processor update a year later
3. Didn't buy "AppleCare" and when I went to do so the warranty time had expired
4. Took it back because many of the keys were starting not to register strokes
5. The space bar wasn't registering strokes. Took it to the Genius Bar who told me that there was "technically nothing wrong with the space bar because their system was saying that it worked"

Apple should immediately remedy this, particularly by giving those of us who purchased the ability to have these models fixed at no charge, or create a replacement upgrade system. This includes people who did not purchase Apple care.

This is a shameful period for Apple. Apple has the profits to do right by its customers.

No offence, but how is point 2 and 3 relevant for anything?
Yah apple updates hardware, this can not come as a surprise.
And the applecare expiring is your own fault.

Apple should not be obligated to upgrade your system. Yes they should fix a faulty design and fix your machine.
 
Nobody is going to win in court with individual anecdotes about their keyboard failing. There also doesn't appear to be any proof in the Bardo anecdote that it's actually the butterfly design itself that caused the problem either. It could have been a manufacturing defect, for example. Apple has the numbers on the keyboard repair rate and what those repairs entailed, and it seems unlikely that the majority would be an actual failure that requires the keyboard to be replaced.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Glen Danielsen
Oh, for those who are keeping track of where we're at...

Here's the typical cycle for problems reported on Apple products:

  1. A few members post reports of the problem, report it to Apple
  2. No response from Apple
  3. Increased number of people report the issue
  4. No response from Apple
  5. Apple apologists dismiss the reports as very rare, the result of trolling, or exaggeration by drama queens
  6. Even more reports of the problem
  7. No response from Apple
  8. News of the problem hits blogs
  9. Apple apologists dismiss the blogs as simply engaging in clickbait
  10. No response from Apple
  11. Those affected by the issue threaten a class-action lawsuit
  12. Apple apologists decry the "sue happy" nature of American consumers
  13. Apple acknowledges the legitimacy of the problem
  14. Apple apologists are silent
  15. Apple release an update to correct the problem
or

15.They set up a "program" to address the problem.
16.Apple gains some positive publicity
17.Apple apologists applaud Apple for doing the "right thing". (for an issue that they said from day-1 was not actually an issue)
18.First hand experience with the “program” reveals very strict guidelines and restrictions that greatly reduce the number of affected customers that can participate in the program.

We're at step #11. Those who are affected by the problem, hang in there, a solution will be coming soon.
 
Am I the only person that has ZERO issues with the butterfly keyboard on the Pro? Was it a process getting used to it from my old Air? -Yes. Was it difficult? -Not really. Granted I've only had my new Pro for a little over a year, but I have not experienced any issues with the keyboard at all. I also eat constantly while using it so chances are crumbs are dropped all over the keyboard almost daily. I guess I'm lucky?

Don’t worry, I suspect it will happen soon enough.
 
I have to think that if Steve Jobs was still alive, using one of these new Macbook Pros, and had this kind of keyboard issue himself? He'd be in a closed door meeting, screaming at all of the engineers and designers.

The fact is, Apple arrogantly paraded this new, ultra-low profile keyboard around as the latest, greatest tech. In reality, it stinks. They had to do some small modifications between the original one used in the first "new Macbook" and present, just to give it a *bit* more key travel -- but the whole design is flawed.

I own one of these and while so far, my keys still work? I just find it frustrating to type on it for any length of time. I make more mistakes than I do on any other keyboard I use, and I've had a few issues with "key bounce" where a letter is typed once but registers twice. Not able to duplicate it regularly when I try, but it has randomly happened.

They actually updated the keyboard for the 2017 version and the problems are basically gone now. So they have actually fixed the issue. I have a 2017 Pro and have had no issues with the keyboard. I do think that they should do a replacement program for 2016 pros effected by the problem though.
 
Which is why I haven't parted with my 6+ year old macbook pro. still going strong, still no issues. Can't understand why they sacrifice build quality for tag lines... Then again, maybe it's the magnitudes larger unit manufacturing where they haven't yet figured out how to make every unit solid... Scares me to think for the $$ we spend, you just don't know what kind of headache you might end up investing in... $700 to fix a keyboard issue... I can't even...
 
They actually updated the keyboard for the 2017 version and the problems are basically gone now. So they have actually fixed the issue. I have a 2017 Pro and have had no issues with the keyboard. I do think that they should do a replacement program for 2016 pros effected by the problem though.

Maybe less prone. It certainly happens with my 2017 MBP.
 
Thank God someone is FINALLY taking action against Apple for this. Thank you thank you thank you. Tim Cook has destroyed the reliability and functionality of MOST of Apple’s products, but this issue is the most egregious destruction to date. Tim Cook and everyone else at Apple needs to be taught serious lessons that they can’t get away with treating their customers like absolute ****, time and time again. Tim Cook is the absolute opposite of everything that Steve Jobs stood for, and I hate everything about Tim Cook because of it. Here are some of the problems, just on the MacBook Pro alone: The keyboard doesn’t work properly. The TouchBar is complete crap too. Eliminating MagSafe was terrible. Removing the light that shows battery charging was terrible. Eliminating the little feet on the power supply to save 10¢ in costs was a terrible decision. Making the left/right arrow keys full height so we can no longer feel where they are was a terrible decision. Every choice Tim Cook makes is one that hurts consumers. And, of course, Craig Federeghi’s software division is no better... the number of bugs in iOS and macOS have never been higher. There is absolutely ZERO quality control at Apple these days.
 
Last edited:
They actually updated the keyboard for the 2017 version and the problems are basically gone now. So they have actually fixed the issue. I have a 2017 Pro and have had no issues with the keyboard. I do think that they should do a replacement program for 2016 pros effected by the problem though.
Nope, it’s not fixed yet. Just brought in a 6 month old 2017 for repeating keys, after a $800 repair under warranty it’s working again. Multiple other reports showing it’s not fixed yet in the 2017’s.
 
Do you also flog extended warranties for Best Buy et al as well? Give me a break.

What happens when the 12 months is up and it happens again? Deal with it?
I'm sorry, but a consumer cannot blame a company for the consumer not purchasing the extended warranty. If you chose not to extend your warranty, then its on you. At a minimum a consumer should at least purchase the item with a credit card that doubles the manufacturer warranty. I have been burned in the past by not extending warranties on items, including a car. Thats on me. I cant go around suing because I chose not to extend my warranty. Thats ridiculous.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.