A piece of information for those who are using older MacBook devices - Apple's service program for MacBook butterfly keyboard issues will end at the end of April. After the termination of this program, MacBook series products with butterfly keyboards will no longer receive official free repair services.
So what should we know about this free repair fiasco that is coming to an end? Why does Apple offer such a free repair program? What can consumers do about it? Let's find out.
MacBook butterfly keyboard service issue
Regarding the MacBook keyboard issue, it goes back as far as 2015, when Apple launched the 12-inch MacBook, and in order to make it extremely thin and light, Apple applied the butterfly keyboard design. Although the keyboard is very thin, a large number of users have reported that the butterfly keyboard of the MacBook has glitches, such as letters accidentally repeated or keys not appearing when pressed.
Apple was also hit with a class action lawsuit over the butterfly keyboard, and Apple eventually paid $50 million to settle with users, with butterfly keyboard users involved in the claim receiving compensation ranging from $50 to $395.
In June 2018, Apple launched Keyboard Service Program globally, offering up to four years of free repair services for butterfly keyboard MacBooks. In 2019, Apple switched to a scissor-foot keyboard design, ditching the problematic butterfly keyboard on the MacBook.
Eligible models
According to Apple's website, Keyboard Service Program provides coverage for eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models and is valid for 4 years from the date of first retail sale of the device. Eligible models are listed below.
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Note: No other Mac notebook models are part of this program.
How should we respond?
Most of the MacBook devices with butterfly keyboards that are currently eligible for the free repair service were discontinued four years ago, which means that the Keyboard Service Program will officially end this year. This is undoubtedly not good news for those users who are still using MacBooks with butterfly keyboards. If your MacBook is eligible for this free repair program, then take the time to consult the Apple Store, don't miss this last opportunity for free repair.
Some thoughts
In addition to the butterfly keyboard failure incident, Apple also has other product quality problems, such as the previous iPhone 8 motherboard problem, iPhone 12 earpiece silent problem, AirPods Pro noise problem, and Apple Watch S6 black screen problem, etc. Whenever these product quality problems surface, Apple always releases a "free repair program" on its official website to alleviate consumer dissatisfaction.
The upcoming end of the MacBook Keyboard Service Program reflects that while Apple is pursuing technological innovation, it is also constantly solving old problems to improve product quality and user satisfaction. With the continuous development and advancement of new technologies, we look forward to Apple bringing us more innovative and practical products in the future. At the same time, we also hope that Apple will learn from the history of the butterfly keyboard and continue to refine and improve its products and services.
