The long-awaited resolution to the controversial MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment saga has arrived. Apple has agreed to a $50 million settlement to address the issues plaguing MacBook models from 2015 to 2019.
Let us walk you through the details of the MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment, eligibility criteria, and what affected users can expect.
The roots of the MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment
Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard design in 2015, touting its slim profile and improved stability. However, users soon reported persistent issues:
- Keys becoming unresponsive or stuck
- Debris trapped under keys, rendering them unusable
- Repeated failures even after repairs
Despite Apple’s repair program, the issue persisted as defective keyboards were replaced with similarly flawed ones. In 2019, Apple finally abandoned the butterfly mechanism in favor of a more reliable scissor-switch design.
Applying for MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment
A class action lawsuit filed in 2018 alleged that Apple knew about the keyboard’s defects but concealed this information from consumers. While denying any wrongdoing, Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit in 2022 for $50 million.
Eligibility for MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment
To qualify for the MacBook butterfly keyboard settlement payment, you must:
- Have owned a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard (2015-2019 models)
- Experienced keyboard issues and had repairs done
- Submitted a valid claim before the deadline
Compensation structure of MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment
The payout amount varies based on the extent of repairs:
- $300 to $395 for two or more topcase replacements
- Up to $125 for one topcase replacement
- Maximum of $50 for keycap replacement
Notably, only customers in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Washington who required repairs are eligible for compensation.
How to apply for MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment
Unfortunately, if you’re just learning about the MacBook butterfly keyboard settlement payment now, you may have missed the opportunity to apply. The claims process for this settlement has already concluded.
According to the MacBook Butterfly keyboard settlement payment page, if you’ve submitted a valid claim, you can expect to receive a check for the determined amount. Some users have already reported receiving their payouts. If you haven’t submitted a claim yet, unfortunately, the deadline has likely passed.
The MacBook butterfly keyboard settlement payment represents a significant acknowledgment of the issues faced by many MacBook users. It underscores the importance of product reliability and transparency in consumer electronics.
While this settlement closes a chapter in Apple’s history, it serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of prioritizing design over functionality. As technology continues to evolve, consumers and manufacturers alike must remain vigilant about balancing innovation with reliability.
For those affected by the butterfly keyboard issues, this settlement offers some compensation for the inconvenience and frustration experienced. It also reinforces the power of collective action in holding large corporations accountable for product defects.
As we move forward, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed about their rights and for companies to prioritize user experience and product reliability alongside innovation.
Featured image credit: Glen Alejandro/Unsplash
