A recent development in the long-running Apple butterfly keyboard lawsuit has finally brought payment relief to affected MacBook owners. In 2018, Apple agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over faulty butterfly keyboards on MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros sold between 2015 and 2019. The design flaw caused numerous complaints about stuck or failed keyboards, with some customers requiring multiple replacements within a short period.
The $50 million settlement, paid by Apple to resolve the lawsuit, is now set to be distributed among approved claimants. Although the settlement was agreed upon in 2022, a court has only recently issued a payment order, with payouts scheduled to begin this month. Claims were accepted from affected customers until March 6, 2023, but it’s unclear why the process has taken so long to complete.
The issues with the butterfly keyboard were widespread, causing frustration and financial burden to many MacBook owners. The keyboards were prone to failure, with keys sticking or not functioning properly. Some customers even resorted to creative solutions, such as writing a song about the issue, which eventually went viral on YouTube.
The payment structure for approved claims is as follows: MacBook owners who required at least two keyboard replacements from Apple within four years of purchase will receive a payment of up to $395. Those who needed only one replacement can expect a maximum payout of $125. Meanwhile, customers who experienced smaller issues with one or more keys on the butterfly keyboard can receive up to $50.
Apple’s Butterfly Keyboard Settlement Payout Plan Moves Forward
Apple’s efforts to improve the design of the butterfly keyboard were unsuccessful, with the third generation also exhibiting issues. The company eventually ditched the butterfly keyboard design in late 2019, reverting to a more conventional scissor-switch mechanism. This change aimed to address the recurring problems and provide a more reliable typing experience for MacBook users.
Despite the settlement, Apple has consistently denied the allegations made in the lawsuit, stating that the payout does not constitute an admission of guilt or wrongdoing. The company’s stance on the matter remains unchanged, focusing on the improvements made to the keyboard design and the resulting benefits for customers.
The recent development brings much-needed relief to affected MacBook owners, who have endured the inconvenience and financial burden of faulty keyboards. As the payment process gets underway, customers can expect to receive their rightful compensation for the troubles caused by Apple’s faulty butterfly keyboard design. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of product quality and reliability, as well as the need for companies to take accountability for their mistakes.
