MacBook keyboard problem: Apple finally ends replacement program
MacBooks with an Intel chip used a less durable keyboard for several years. Apple replaced the hardware. Now this is over.
An older MacBook Pro with 16 inches.
Apple introduced a new type of keyboard in spring 2015: The so-called butterfly mechanism was intended to enable particularly thin, yet precise notebook keyboards. The problem: after the technology was extended to the MacBook Pro models the following year, there were an increasing number of user reports of failures. Keys jammed, keystrokes did not come through and/or the entire mechanism failed. The reason is often that dust or crumbs get under the keycaps; this is virtually impossible to remove. After much criticism, Apple launched a replacement program- which is now officially coming to an end, five years after its launch.
Still a few months to go
As MacRumors reports, affected models can still be returned to Apple for a free replacement until November 2024 at the latest. "After that, the service program will be over for good, unless Apple extends it again." The corresponding website is currently still online. It also lists the models that were or are covered: MacBooks with Retina display and 12-inch from 2015, 2016 and 2017, the MacBook Air Retina with 13-inch from 2018 and 2019 as well as MacBook Pro model series with 13 and 15-inch from 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
In its information on the replacement program, Apple continues to claim that only "a small percentage" of keyboards were affected. Defective keyboards can therefore be recognized by the fact that letters "repeat unexpectedly", some letters do not go through when typing or keys feel "sticky" or do not respond consistently.
The butterfly era only ended in 2020
The "rest of the party" of the replacement program only affects the 2019 models. This is because Apple has limited the program to four years after the last sales date of the respective machine. This means that 13-inch MacBook Pro models from 2019 that were withdrawn from the market in November 2020 can currently still receive a free keyboard replacement - or alternatively a cash replacement if this has already been carried out for a fee.
The basic problem with the replacement program is that even a new keyboard may be susceptible to the original problem, as this is due to the design. Apple responded accordingly in 2019 and began selling the first machines with the old scissor-switch mechanism in the fall. The butterfly era then ended completely in 2020 - not without Apple having to dig deep into its pockets due to a class action lawsuit.
According to a support document, Apple does not use the last date of sale as the cut-off for participation in the exchange program, but the date on which the devices first went on sale. Accordingly, the program has now ended completely.
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