Same here. This keyboard just feels like it’s going to fail on me every time I have to type something!
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Apple's $50 Million Settlement Over Faulty MacBook Keyboards: What to Know
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I agree. But this happens with every issue. I'm having a difficult time recalling a time when there was an issue reported by customers that turned out NOT to be a legitimate issue.
I'm officially declaring this GateCon... RESOLVED.
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.
Would you be surprised to find out that Jim Dalrymple & Rene Richie are among the most vocal proponents of said keyboard lol
Brilliantly articulated and, from what I can tell, extremely accurate
Idiots spout nonsense and too many fellow idiots believe them...
You have posted this numerous times and each time it is 100% appropriate to the issue being discussed.I agree. But this happens with every issue. I'm having a difficult time recalling a time when there was an issue reported by customers that turned out NOT to be a legitimate issue.
I'm officially declaring this GateCon... RESOLVED.
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.
I believe it's because if Apple admitted guilt then it becomes a slam dunk, for lawyers that represent those that exclude themselves from the class-action, to rake in even more cash from further lawsuits without the need to argue the case in court.
Will definitely take advantage. I have a late 2017 and had it repaired in 2019… I think. My space bar, I, O, and delete key function intermittently even with the new one after a short time.
Rene’s entire career in one post.I agree. But this happens with every issue. I'm having a difficult time recalling a time when there was an issue reported by customers that turned out NOT to be a legitimate issue.
I'm officially declaring this GateCon... RESOLVED.
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.
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Mine was repaired before that program existed. It was actually “my fault“. My space bar wasn’t functioning well and so I popped it off to try to clean and didn’t realize it was impossible to put back on. I was in college and really needed it repaired ASAP so I called a local authorized repair shop and said look I’m having problems with this butterfly ******** whatever keyboard and I’ve seen that some other people online have it too, I didn’t know that Apple makes it essentially impossible to remove the keys to clean the tray, i’m not sure what to do.“ He just laughed and said bring it in and I will make sure to say it falls under manufacturer warranty. Which I really appreciated.
$50 mil? Sounds like a victory for Apple. Those keyboards were trash and they got away with selling them for 5 years.
Is the maximum payout only available if you had to have a keyboard replaced on the same laptop? I had two replacements, but for two different machines.
I'm just so glad they finally stopped making that POS keyboard. Those were the absolute worst MacBook Pro years of my life. I hated everything about that keyboard.
I bought my MacBook Pro in 2020 right when they switched from butterfly.
Earlier this week, Apple agreed to a proposed $50 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging that the butterfly keyboard used in certain MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models is defective, which can result in usability issues.
Image via iFixit
The settlement still needs to receive final court approval. In the meantime, here is everything to know about the agreement as currently proposed.
Eligible Customers
The proposed settlement applies to any individual who meets all three criteria:
The class action lawsuit does not apply to MacBook models sold outside of the United States.
- Purchased any MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro equipped with a butterfly keyboard between 2015 and 2019 in the United States (except for resale purposes)
- Obtained a qualifying keyboard repair from Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
- The repair did not resolve your keyboard issues
Eligible MacBook Models
To identify your Mac, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and click on "About This Mac" in the dropdown menu.
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Payout Amounts
Eligible class members may be able to receive a payout of up to $395 from Apple, but it depends on how many people submit a claim and other factors.
If you received a record of the repair from Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, it will specify whether you received a top case replacement or a key cap replacement. The top case refers to the component including a MacBook's keyboard, trackpad, glued-in battery, and speakers. Key caps refer to individual keys.
- Class members who obtained two or more top case replacements from Apple or an Authorized Service Provider within four years after purchase of an eligible MacBook model, based on Apple's records, will be paid automatically without the need to submit a claim, according to the proposed settlement. Apple's payment to each class member in this group is estimated to be between $300 and $395.
- Class members who obtained one top case replacement from Apple or an Authorized Service Provider within four years after purchase of an eligible MacBook model, and who attest on a claim form that the repair did not resolve their keyboard issues, are estimated to receive up to $125.
- Class members who obtained one or more key cap replacements (but no top case replacements) from Apple or an Authorized Service Provider within four years after purchase of an eligible MacBook model, and who attest that the repair did not resolve their keyboard issues, are estimated to receive up to $50.
Each of the 12 named plaintiffs/class representatives will receive up to $5,000 as an award for their time and effort, and lawyers will receive up to 30% of the Settlement Fund in attorney fees, according to the proposed settlement.
Settlement payouts are only available to class members who received repairs performed by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. The settlement does not provide reimbursement for any repairs completed by unauthorized third-party repair providers or any other out-of-pocket expenses, according to the proposed agreement.
Request for Exclusion
All individuals who fit the description of the proposed class have the right to exclude themselves from the settlement. By excluding yourself from the settlement, you are not eligible to receive a payout as part of the settlement, but retain your individual rights to sue Apple for the same allegations outlined in the class action lawsuit.
Class members will be able to submit a request for exclusion through the forthcoming settlement website or by U.S. mail to the settlement administrator. The deadline for exclusion will be 95 days after preliminary approval of the settlement.
Apple Denies Any Wrongdoing
Despite agreeing to a $50 million settlement, Apple said it denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit, according to the proposed settlement:Apple nonetheless concluded that a settlement "is in its best interests" to avoid additional time and legal expenses involved with prolonged litigation.
Given the settlement, the court did not decide in favor of Apple or the plaintiffs.
Next Steps
If and when the proposed settlement receives final approval by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, a settlement website will be created where class members can file a claim, submit a request for exclusion, and learn additional information.
Apple will provide the settlement administrator with the email addresses of each class member for whom it has an email address on file. The settlement administrator will then notify class members by email in due time. Some class members may also be notified by U.S. mail. If you do not receive a notice but meet the description of the proposed class, it will be possible to submit a claim through the settlement website once live.
A final hearing to decide the fairness of the settlement will be held at least 130 days after preliminary approval of the settlement, so there are likely still several months remaining until things are finalized and payments to class members begin.
Apple's Free Keyboard Service Program
In 2018, Apple launched a Keyboard Service Program after it determined that a "small percentage" of the keyboards in certain MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
As part of the worldwide program, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge, for up to four years after the first retail sale of the affected notebook. However, a problem with the repair program is that Apple replaces the butterfly keyboard with another butterfly keyboard, which means that the same issues may reoccur over time.
- Letters or characters repeat unexpectedly
- Letters or characters do not appear
- Key(s) feel "sticky" or do not respond in a consistent manner
Apple says customers who believe their MacBook was affected by this issue and paid to have their keyboard repaired can contact Apple about a refund.
In March 2019, Apple apologized about the matter. "We are aware that a small number of users are having issues with their third-generation butterfly keyboard and for that we are sorry," an Apple spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal. "The vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard."
Starting with the 16-inch MacBook Pro in November 2019, Apple ditched the butterfly keyboard and returned to using a more reliable scissor keyboard. Apple no longer sells any Macs with butterfly keyboards, putting an end to years of complaints.
Article Link: Apple's $50 Million Settlement Over Faulty MacBook Keyboards: What to Know
Defective product knowingly sold. Only real remedy is refund, or replace with redesigned keyboard that does not immediately fail.
My 2017 Macbook keyboard has a dead backspace key, and Apple demands that I bring it in to an Apple store, before they replace under the program, nearest is 260 miles away. Or they said I can just send it to them and they'll happily replace for $700.
This 2017 macbook had les2 than 20 hours of use before failure, and I'm not driving 260 miles (520 round trip), to get another defective keyboard that will fail soon again.
Apple can go to hell.
My 2017 Macbook keyboard has a dead backspace key, and Apple demands that I bring it in to an Apple store, before they replace under the program, nearest is 260 miles away. Or they said I can just send it to them and they'll happily replace for $700.
This 2017 macbook had les2 than 20 hours of use before failure, and I'm not driving 260 miles (520 round trip), to get another defective keyboard that will fail soon again.
Apple can go to hell.
I’d like to know what happened to that keyboard’s inventor or patron. It’s easy to say, “Ive!,” but he can’t be the only one.
Rene Ritchie comes to mind. Go back and watch him talk about how great the keyboard and touchbar were.
It wasn’t a judgment. It was a settlement. Which means the Plaintiffs thought it was enough $ to not risk a trial, where they could get….ZERO.
It’s amazing—you people have no idea of the evidence and the decisions the lawyers and litigants have to make.
Newsflash—THIS IS HOW THE LEGAL SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO WORK.
I had one of these piece of crap machines, so I know how bad they were, but I don't see any reason to assume there was "wrongdoing". It was crap design, but not "defective", per se. Makes perfect sense to me.
Considering I did replace the entire keyboard and some of the keys are starting to struggle again, I guess I should file a claim when the time comes.
I don't know about you, but Apple replaced the keyboard on my 2016 twice, and never attempted to blame me for the problem. They also gave me a very fair trade-in price when I replaced it in 2019, even though the keyboard was failing (again). [EDIT] For me, the screen actually failed too, and they replaced it. Ha! (It really was the worst Mac I've owned, by far—and I was the "proud" owner of a Quicksilver G4 733, back in the day... anybody who knows, knows that was a pig of a machine... haha...) In truth, I'd imagine they made very little money on the sale to me, in the end... they may even have lost money...?? Two keyboards+top panels, one screen, all the labour, and a good trade-in value... dunno... If they made anything, it really wasn't much.
So to me—someone directly impacted by this crap design—the ruling seems fair enough. It was a hassle, and annoying as hell, but I don't see that there was any wrongdoing (I mean, other than a crap keyboard design). I think probably light users, doing work that isn't super keyboard-intensive, didn't have too disastrous a time with them. The main issues were probably with people putting in full days typing on them (for me, it was coding and writing).
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I have early 2017 Macbook 12" typing on it now feels terrible but it still works. Did have minor keyboard issue with the delete key and sometimes it boots into safe mode(sticky shift key). Never filed a repair or service claim. Downloading 12.5 right now