Apple Customers Begin Receiving MacBook Butteryfly Keyboad Settlements

Apple has begun to pay affected customers of its 2022 lawsuit regarding its MacBook butterfly keyboards.

According to reports, affected customers have begun to receive settlement funds from Apple as part of its $50 million USD (roughly $69 million CAD) class action lawsuit. In 2022, Apple paid a lump sum to settle the legal dispute. Afterwards, MacBook owners eligible for payment were notified in December 2022. As reported by MacRumors, payments have now been going out as the terms dictated.

Between the years 2015 and 2019, Apple sold Mac products which utilized butterfly mechanisms for its keyboards. As it turns out, these keyboards were notorious for issues, leading to failure and ultimately needed repairing. Thousands of customers began complaining that their MacBook suffered from sticking keys, failed keystrokes, and issues regarding dust and debris.

As part of the class action settlement, affected customers who have received two top case replacements from Apple within four years of purchase are being given a payment. These payments amount to a maximum of $395 USD (around $546 CAD). Those who had one top case repair will receive up to $125 USD (around $172 CAD). Finally, those who had to get keycaps replaced are eligible to receive up to $50 USD (roughly $69 CAD).

In 2018, Apple launched its repair program, which included coverage for MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air devices. Eligibility for repairs included models from 2015 and onwards. However, this only covered devices four years past its purchase date. As the program repaired or replaced the same butterfly mechanism, devices were susceptible to repeat issues.

Thankfully, Apple has moved away from the butterfly keyboards. In 2019, Apple returned to using a scissor-switch mechanism, which is more durable and less likely to cause issues. Since that time, MacBook products have not been heavily affected by faulty keyboards or issues with its keycaps.