From spring 2015, Apple introduced a new type of keyboard: The so-called butterfly mechanism was intended to enable particularly thin, but also precise notebook keyboards. The problem: After the technology was extended to the MacBook Pro models the following year, there were increasing user reports of failures. Keys got stuck, keys didn't come through and/or the entire mechanism failed. The reason is often that dust or crumbs get under the key caps; this is virtually impossible to remove. After much criticism, Apple then launched an exchange program – and that is exactly what is now officially ending, five years after its launch.
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Still a few months left
As MacRumors reports, affected models can be returned to Apple for a free exchange until November 2024 at the latest. “After that, the service program will finally come to an end, unless Apple expands 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 inches from 2015, 2016 and 2017, the MacBook Air Retina with 13 inches from 2018 and 2019 as well as MacBook Pro model series with 13 and 15 inches from 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Apple continues to claim in its information about the replacement program that only “a small percentage” of keyboards were affected. Defective keyboards can therefore be recognized by the fact that letters repeat themselves “unexpectedly”, that some letters do not go through when typing, or that keys feel “sticky” or do not respond consistently.
The Butterfly era only ended in 2020
The “rest of the party” of the exchange program only affects the 2019 models. Because Apple has limited the program to four years after the last sale date of the respective machine. This means: The 13-inch MacBook Pro models from 2019 that were taken off the market in November 2020 can currently still receive a free keyboard replacement – or alternatively a monetary replacement if you have already had this done for a fee.
Basically, the problem with the replacement program remains that even a new keyboard may be susceptible to the original problem, because this is due to the design. Apple reacted accordingly starting in 2019 and began selling the first machines with the old scissor switch mechanism in the fall. As of 2020, the Butterfly era ended completely – by the way, not without Apple having to dig deep into its pockets due to a class action lawsuit.
(bsc)