Apple is Providing $395 Payment Checks as Settlement for Butterfly Keyboard Issues
Apple's not always on a winning streak with every release. Some misses, like the irksome Magic Mouse and the butterfly keyboard, have left a sour taste in many users' mouths. Introduced in 2015 on the 12-inch MacBook, the butterfly keyboard's faults soon caught up with it. The keyboard's issues led to characters repetitively appearing, letters or characters not appearing at all, and keys feeling "sticky" or unresponsive.
Fast forward to 2023, and Apple is sending out settlement payouts due to these faulty keyboards. According to the official keyboard settlement site, the butterfly keyboards suffered from issues that affected characters' repetition, non-appearance, and inconsistent responses. These problems cropped up on the initial 2015 MacBook, followed by the MacBook Pro in 2016 and the MacBook Air in 2018. Apple eventually switched to its Magic Keyboard in late 2019.
The catch is, not everyone is entitled to these payouts. Eligible consumers are those who tried to repair their butterfly keyboard-equipped MacBook, and only residents from specific states are eligible. If you're not from California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, or Washington, you can't apply for these settlements. All deadlines to participate in the class action suit have expired, so missing out on this news means missing out on any potential payouts.
Eligible consumers are also categorized into three groups based on the repairs they opted for. Group 1 consists of individuals who had at least two Topcase Replacements, Group 2 includes those who received a single Topcase Replacement, and Group 3 includes users who opted for a Keycap Replacement.
The compensation varies for each group. Group 1 is eligible for up to $395, Group 2 receives up to $125, and Group 3 receives up to $50. For these payouts, the repairs must not have resolved the issue, and they must have been carried out within four years of purchasing the MacBook. You can opt out of the program if you prefer. Some consumers have already started receiving checks, so if you're eligible, keep an eye on your mail.
Despite Apple's struggles with the butterfly keyboard, showcasing defects in repetition, non-appearance, and unresponsiveness, the tech giant is offering payouts to affected consumers in 2023. The issues with the keyboard, first introduced on the 12-inch MacBook in 2015, were prevalent in subsequent models like the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Interestingly, the payouts are only available to residents in certain states and individuals who have attempted repairs, with the deadlines for class action suit participation expired for others. The compensation varies based on the extent of repairs, with Group 1 eligible for up to $395, Group 2 receiving up to $125, and Group 3 getting up to $50.
In the future, it will be crucial for tech companies to prioritize product quality, ensuring technology innovations don't lead to temporary setbacks or affected user experiences, such as the case with the butterfly keyboard. This incident underscores the importance of thorough testing and feedback loops for new technologies. Despite the payouts, many consumers are still experiencing the defective issues, highlighting the need for Apple to continue addressing the problems and improving its products.