I'm hoping they're not replacing defective keyboards with the same prone-to-breaking unit..
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Waiting for the 2018 MBP
- Thread starter benface
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I'm hoping they're not replacing defective keyboards with the same prone-to-breaking unit..
Apple has released new MBP models every year since the pre-unibody debuted in 2006. Updates every year, for the last eleven years—sometimes twice in the same calendar year.
In three of the last five years, updates were in July (2014) or October (2013, 2016). Neither would surprise me for the 2018 update.
One of two things is happing here:
Just all speculation but it makes since to have a new keyboard update ready for the 2018 models, that work with the previous generation for repairs, and everything else stays the same excluding processor and some other internal changes.
- Apple as rev'ed the 2017 keyboard design, even from what the original 2017 keyboard had, and is now going with these new updated keyboards as replacements.
- Apple is using the 2017 design overall as it is shown a lower failure rate, but why list the 2017 device as covered if you know it will fail.
Just all speculation but it makes since to have a new keyboard update ready for the 2018 models, that work with the previous generation for repairs, and everything else stays the same excluding processor and some other internal changes.
Oh I don't mean to imply they won't release a MPB in 2017.
My point is we can't predict what Apple will do. They could easily surprise (disappoint) folks.
I agree. I think we’ll see new MBPs in October with a third generation butterfly system keyboard and quad/hex cores.
And there you go, straight from Apple. The keyboard design is flawed, so much for all the attempts to downplay or outright deny the issue.
The impending lawsuits probably played a part, but also, hopefully, this might really suggest that a MBP upgrade will be ready soon: they are officially admitting that the current models are faulty, and I don't think they'd do so without being able to boast that they came up with an improved design.
Better late then never, though, especially since it seems the program will be retroactive too, allowing customers who paid out of their pockets to ask for a refund.
Sure, anything’s possible, but I like their track record.
There are CPUs available from Intel, so I do expect an update this year; the same can’t be said for the 12” MacBook. There is no reason to expect an update for that, although we may get one if for no other reason than to update the keyboard.
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I don’t agree with that. I could be 100% wrong but I think the keyboards they are using for replacing bad ones might be a revised version of the 2017 version aka rev b.
1) Start using the new keyboards a few months back, see how they perform
2) Start a replacement program for bad keyboards
3) Launch 2018 MBP with updated processors.
Again I could be 100% wrong, but replacing a 2017 keyboard with the exact same thing is just an endless loop.
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I’m really really happy about the update. At least Apple is trying to fix it now - bare minimum. But gives me a lot more peace of mind.
While having the 2017 one year late with 16GB ram and older gen processors suck, I at least have one less thing to worry about.
While having the 2017 one year late with 16GB ram and older gen processors suck, I at least have one less thing to worry about.
All intel chips available, new mac-focused ad campaign, new program to fix keyboards, ....new macbook pros on the horizon?
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I feel like the 2018 MacBook Pro is gonna be a substantial upgrade.
I have an inkling Apple is gonna make a u-turn and go back to the original 2012 to 15 design, reintroduce ports like USB A, SD card, keep one USB C and add back Magsafe.
Its gonna be a shocker.
Phil will likely say, the previous MacBook Pro is not what our professional customers were asking for and the retina MacBook was a better direction for what we were aiming for. We still believe that, so we will will continue on that path with the 12 inch MacBook.
I have an inkling Apple is gonna make a u-turn and go back to the original 2012 to 15 design, reintroduce ports like USB A, SD card, keep one USB C and add back Magsafe.
Its gonna be a shocker.
Phil will likely say, the previous MacBook Pro is not what our professional customers were asking for and the retina MacBook was a better direction for what we were aiming for. We still believe that, so we will will continue on that path with the 12 inch MacBook.
Still seems like Fall for me. Which is great... just that would make me a little sad for myself rofl.
Apple will never do that. They will improve it, but they won't go back. They have never done in their entire history.
I just hope it’s going to be a “leap” and maybe some of this “innovation” stuff 
Because right now the only thing that keeps me from switching to a non Apple Laptop is the OS.
There is plenty of great new Laptop Hardware out there, 4 Core 13” 6 Core 15” with SSD’s (with 2x NVMe) and RAM (up to 32GB) modules I can just upgrade down the road. And hey they even come with really nice GPU’s. Don't get me started on IO....
Just my 2 cent’s. It’s for sure not the Hardware that keeps me from switching.
Because right now the only thing that keeps me from switching to a non Apple Laptop is the OS.
There is plenty of great new Laptop Hardware out there, 4 Core 13” 6 Core 15” with SSD’s (with 2x NVMe) and RAM (up to 32GB) modules I can just upgrade down the road. And hey they even come with really nice GPU’s. Don't get me started on IO....
Just my 2 cent’s. It’s for sure not the Hardware that keeps me from switching.
I think I saw the ad on YouTube earlier - interestingly it featured quite a few macs with backlit Apple logos, and indeed ended focused on one - a sign of their return?
Personally I don't think they will change the USB C or anything major apart from keyboard/battery/screen upgrades.
Apple has taken lots of **** for their choise to go USB C only. And now when people have slowly adapted and accessory manufacturers have implemented the USB C on their products. I don't think they will revert this. +the thinnes is big factor for Apple..
At this point, the keyboard is different story tho.
Apple has taken lots of **** for their choise to go USB C only. And now when people have slowly adapted and accessory manufacturers have implemented the USB C on their products. I don't think they will revert this. +the thinnes is big factor for Apple..
At this point, the keyboard is different story tho.
I think Apple must have a new keyboard ready that they’re now putting in the 2016 and 2017 models. Replacing them with just another potentially faulty 2017 component will not help the pending legal action and would certainly capture the attention of various consumer protection bodies across the World.
It all makes sense now really. 2018 lineup changes were delayed because of the new keyboard and the need to redirect the first runs from the manufacturers to the replacement program. The next updates will be pure spec bumps as originally predicted by some for WWDC and potentially some international pricing adjustments. Possibly August before iPhone and iPad but most likely now October alongside Mac OS Majave
This approach means Apple can quietly address the faulty keyboard without it overshadowing the next update.
It all makes sense now really. 2018 lineup changes were delayed because of the new keyboard and the need to redirect the first runs from the manufacturers to the replacement program. The next updates will be pure spec bumps as originally predicted by some for WWDC and potentially some international pricing adjustments. Possibly August before iPhone and iPad but most likely now October alongside Mac OS Majave
This approach means Apple can quietly address the faulty keyboard without it overshadowing the next update.
The repair programme pretty much almost confirms a proper keyboard revision, not a minor change as introduced in 2017, which is great news.
The only negative could be that it delays the 2018 MacBook to end of year or even next year.
The only negative could be that it delays the 2018 MacBook to end of year or even next year.
That might be why we didn't see the update at WWDC.
The issues I have, is that in order to properly discern whether the keyboard has been properly fixed, I'll need to wait to see how the 2018 MBP does over the course of time, i.e., wait and see if people complain about wonky keyboards. Its my opinion that we're looking at the fall at the earliest for a new MBP and then add in wait time.
So I can wait 6, maybe 8 months and then spend almost 3k sometime in 2019, or I can spend 2k today and get a window's machine that out performs what ever apple can put together.
I ordered and received a 15" Razer Blade last week and I've been putting it though its paces and so far I'm impressed. I'm only 5 days into my 14 day return period and I've not made any final determination as to whether I'll keep it. So far it makes sense for me to keep it and use that instead of waiting and hoping to see what apple may do.