The US District Judge has approved a $50 million payout to settle a class-action lawsuit against Apple Inc. over defective butterfly keyboards in MacBooks. The lawsuit alleged that the keyboards were prone to sticking, repeating, and failing, causing numerous problems for users.
The Butterfly Keyboard: A History of Problems
Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard in 2015 with the release of the MacBook. The keyboard was designed to be thinner and lighter than traditional keyboards, but it quickly became apparent that it had significant durability issues.
Users began reporting problems with the butterfly keyboard shortly after its release. The keys would often stick or repeat, making it difficult to type. In some cases, the keys would fail completely, rendering the keyboard unusable.
Apple acknowledged the problems with the butterfly keyboard and released several updates to address them. However, the problems persisted, and in 2019, Apple finally announced that it would be phasing out the butterfly keyboard in favor of a new scissor-switch keyboard.
The Class-Action Lawsuit
In 2018, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Apple over the defective butterfly keyboards. The lawsuit alleged that Apple had known about the problems with the keyboard but had failed to warn consumers.
The lawsuit sought damages for the plaintiffs, who claimed that they had suffered financial losses and emotional distress due to the defective keyboards.
The Settlement
In March 2023, the US District Judge approved a $50 million settlement in the class-action lawsuit. The settlement provides compensation to MacBook owners who purchased a device with a butterfly keyboard between 2015 and 2019.
The settlement also requires Apple to extend the warranty on MacBook keyboards to four years and to provide a free keyboard replacement to any MacBook owner who experiences keyboard problems.
Impact of the Settlement
The settlement is a significant victory for consumers who have been affected by the defective butterfly keyboards. The settlement will provide compensation to those who have suffered financial losses and emotional distress.
The settlement also sends a message to Apple that it cannot ignore problems with its products. Apple has a responsibility to provide its customers with quality products, and the settlement holds Apple accountable for its failure to do so.
Timeline of Events
- 2015: Apple releases the MacBook with the butterfly keyboard.
- 2016: Users begin reporting problems with the butterfly keyboard.
- 2017: Apple releases several updates to address the problems with the butterfly keyboard.
- 2018: A class-action lawsuit is filed against Apple over the defective butterfly keyboards.
- 2019: Apple announces that it will be phasing out the butterfly keyboard.
- 2023: The US District Judge approves a $50 million settlement in the class-action lawsuit.
Table: MacBook Models with Butterfly Keyboards
| MacBook Model | Release Date |
|---|---|
| MacBook (12-inch, 2015) | March 2015 |
| MacBook (12-inch, 2016) | April 2016 |
| MacBook (12-inch, 2017) | June 2017 |
| MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018) | October 2018 |
| MacBook Air (13-inch, 2019) | July 2019 |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016) | October 2016 |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017) | June 2017 |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018) | July 2018 |
| MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) | November 2016 |
| MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017) | June 2017 |
| MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018) | July 2018 |
| MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) | November 2019 |
Conclusion
The US judge’s approval of the $50 million payout in the class-action lawsuit against Apple over the defective butterfly keyboards is a significant victory for consumers. The settlement will provide compensation to those who have suffered financial losses and emotional distress. The settlement also sends a message to Apple that it cannot ignore problems with its products. Apple has a responsibility to provide its customers with quality products, and the settlement holds Apple accountable for its failure to do so.
FAQ about US Judge Approves $50 Million Payout for Defective Butterfly Keyboards on MacBooks
1. What is the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit was filed by consumers who alleged that Apple knowingly sold MacBooks with defective butterfly keyboards that were prone to failing and causing damage to other components of the laptop.
2. Who is eligible for the payout?
US consumers who purchased a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard between 2015 and 2019 are eligible for the payout.
3. How much will I receive?
The amount you receive will depend on the model of MacBook you purchased and the number of times you replaced the keyboard. The payout ranges from $50 to $395.
4. How do I claim my payout?
You can submit a claim online at the settlement website: https://butterflykeyboardsettlement.com/.
5. What if I have already paid to replace my keyboard?
You may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of the replacement. You will need to provide documentation of the repair.
6. What is the deadline to file a claim?
The deadline to file a claim is March 6, 2023.
7. What if I have other questions?
You can contact the settlement administrator at (800) 203-2021 or visit the settlement website: https://butterflykeyboardsettlement.com/.
8. How does the settlement affect my warranty?
The settlement does not affect the manufacturer’s warranty on your MacBook.
9. What does the settlement mean for Apple?
The settlement is a victory for consumers and will likely force Apple to improve the design and durability of its keyboards in the future.
10. What is the significance of the payout?
The $50 million payout is a significant amount and represents a victory for consumers who have been affected by the defective butterfly keyboards.
