Apple’s MacBook Butterfly Keyboard Debacle Ends with $50M Payout to Owners

Photo 154125045 © Dimarik16 | Dreamstime.com

Apple will finally be sending out reimbursement checks to MacBook owners affected by the infamous butterfly keyboard issue. The company agreed to a US$50 million settlement in 2020 to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that Apple knew about the keyboard’s malfunctioning keys but failed to warn consumers.

An update on the MacBook Keyboard Litigation Settlement website confirms that the court issued a payment order on June 27, 2024. With this order, payouts for approved claims are set to be issued by August 2024.

Users reported problems with keys sticking, repeating letters, or becoming completely unresponsive with certain MacBooks, MacBook Airs, and MacBook Pros introduced from 2015 to 2019. The design relied on a thin butterfly mechanism that was prone to accumulating dust and debris. The tech giant has since transitioned to a more traditional scissor-switch keyboard design.

Apple acknowledged the issue and offered free repair programs for affected keyboards. However, the lawsuit claimed these programs were inadequate and disruptive for users.

The settlement, approved by a federal judge in May last year, offers compensation ranging from US$50 to US$395 depending on the number of keyboard repairs an owner required.

[via MacRumors and Mactrast, cover photo 154125045 © Dimarik16 | Dreamstime.com]