Apple recently provided an update on the MacBook Butterfly Keyboard class action lawsuit via a blog post. After examining the claims, the court approved the settlement on May 25th, 2023. Payments were ordered on June 27th, 2024, with eligible claimants expected to receive their payouts by the end of August 2024.
The Class-Action Lawsuit Filed in May 2018
In March 2015, Apple unveiled the ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook featuring a new butterfly keyboard design. Despite its slim profile, the keyboard faced numerous issues such as sticking keys, missed inputs, and repeated letters. The second-generation butterfly keyboard was introduced in October 2016 with the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, but users continued to report problems with sticky and unresponsive keys.
By May 2018, a class-action lawsuit was initiated in the US, claiming Apple was aware of the keyboard's defects. In June 2018, Apple acknowledged that a “small number” of users were experiencing these issues and launched a global keyboard service program for affected MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models.
Compensation Details
The compensation amounts are based on the extent of the repairs needed:
- Up to $395 for those who had their entire butterfly keyboard replaced more than twice.
- Up to $125 for users who replaced their butterfly keyboard once.
- Up to $50 for users who only needed keycap replacements.
