Applehas extended its keyboard replacement programme to all MacBooks with butterfly keys, free of charge. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s wrong with Apple’s butterfly keyboards?
In 2015, Apple ditched the “scissor” mechanism below each key on the MacBook and began releasing laptops with butterfly switches, as part of an effort to make its MacBooks even thinner and lighter. However, users immediately criticized the design, claiming the keyboards could be easily damaged by something as simple as dust. And, initially, the fix was expensive and time-consuming.
Apple doesn’t usually just replace the bad keys, but rather the whole keyboard, and out-of-warranty fixes could cost as much as $700. Apple later redesigned the original butterfly switches at least three times to address the issues, but users have still complained. Class action lawsuits, naturally, have been filed against Apple. So, Apple conceded with a free keyboard replacement programme.
What is Apple’s keyboard replacement programme?
In 2018, Apple promised to replace “a small percentage of the keyboards in certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models” - if their keys felt sticky, failed, or didn’t respond consistently.
This programme covered MacBooks released from 2015 to 2017. Now, it covers all MacBooks with butterfly keys -including the 2019 models. Apple is clearly trying to put potential buyers at ease with this extension.
If your keyboard stops working, Apple wants you to know you can get it repaired for free, up to four years after purchase. Apple is also claiming it has sped up the time it takes for a keyboard to be repaired, though it didn’t give specifics. It only said Apple Stores will now prioritise repairs. And your new MacBook will get the latest keyboard design, which, in theory, should protect you from more fails.
How to initiate a free repair
Keyboard issues
you may only initiate a free repair once you’ve detected one of the following keyboard issues:
Eligibility requirements
Next, determine if you have a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro equipped with a low-profile, butterfly mechanism keyboard. So, any model from early 2015, up to the latest 2019 models. All others are ineligible. If the laptop has any damage that may impair the service, then the issue will need to be fixed first, and there may be repair fees. And if it has any liquid damage, it’ll be ineligible.
To identify if your laptop is eligible for this programme, follow these steps:
Here’s a full list of eligible models
Contact Apple or a service provider
Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers will service eligible laptops, free of charge. Apple said the process may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard. A technician will also examine your laptop prior to any service to verify it is eligible for this programme.
