Affected users who purchased certain MacBook models between 2015 and 2019 are now receiving their settlement payments. The compensation follows a class-action lawsuit filed over Apple's flawed butterfly keyboard design, which led to widespread reliability issues.
Background
Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard with the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, extending the design to its entire notebook line over the next two years. However, the low-travel key mechanism quickly garnered complaints about "stuck" or repeated characters, sticky keys, and complete keyboard failures.
Despite initial anecdotal reports, AppleInsider's service data revealed that the butterfly keyboard failed twice as often as its predecessors within the first year of each model's release. Apple eventually acknowledged the issues, transitioning to the more reliable "Magic Keyboard" design in late 2019 with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is still used in the latest 2024 models.
Settlement Details
Apple agreed to a $50 million settlement fund in 2022 to compensate owners who had purchased MacBooks with the problematic keyboards. However, the final settlement does not cover all affected users. Only those who bought eligible machines in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, or Washington, and who had paid for repairs, are covered.
- Keycap Replacement: Users who had keycaps replaced will receive $50 per incident.
- Top Case Replacement: Users who had the entire top case replaced will receive $125 per replacement, with a maximum payout of $395 for multiple replacements.
The deadline to file claims ended in March 2024. Physical check payments are currently being mailed out, and digital payments are expected to commence shortly.
This resolution brings closure to a prolonged chapter for Apple and its customers, offering some recompense for the inconvenience and frustration caused by the butterfly keyboard design.
