Apple will now fix faulty Apple Macbook and Macbook pro keyboards, and that’s good news.
Various Apple laptop models from 2015 to the current generation have had problematic keyboard functionality after the introduction of the ‘butterfly’ keyboard mechanism. While the new mechanism allowed for a smaller form-factor and thus, thinner laptops, it proved faulty, and amidst class action lawsuits, increasing repair requests and online petitions, Apple is addressing the problem via an extended keyboard service program.
Apple users with qualifying laptops will be able to have their keyboards fixed for free up to and including full keyboard replacement for up to 4 years from the time of purchase. Perhaps even more critical still, is that if you were among those who had previously requested and paid keyboard repair costs, Apple will offer a route to recoup those costs; costs that can run into the hundreds of dollars.
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Here’s a look at what was going wrong, and which units are affected:
Apple has determined that a small percentage of the keyboards in certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
- Letters or characters repeat unexpectedly
- Letters or characters do not appear
- Key(s) feel “sticky” or do not respond in a consistent manner
- Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge. The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard.
Eligible Models
To identify your computer’s model and to see if it is eligible for this program, choose Apple () menu > About This Mac. Eligible models are listed below.
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, 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)
Note: No other Mac notebook models are part of this program.Service Process
Please choose one of the options below for service. Your MacBook or MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program.
The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard. The service turn-around time may vary depending upon the type of service and availability of replacement parts.
Interesting to note Apple says a small number of units were affected, but shed no light onto what that amount actually means. But it marks the second time in about 6 months that Apple has had to stand down on its position on some support items in an attempt to keep brand loyalty, just as they did with their Battery Replacement program for iPhones that were slowing down with new firmware.
