## The Demise of Apple’s Butterfly Keyboard: A Retrospective
After nearly six and a half years, Apple’s complimentary repair program for its beleaguered butterfly keyboard has concluded. While some exceptions may apply, the official program ended late last week, signifying the final chapter in a controversial saga. This means free repairs for eligible MacBooks are no longer guaranteed through Apple or its authorized service network. This article revisits the journey of the butterfly keyboard, from its inception to its ultimate downfall.
### From Innovation to Infamy: The Butterfly Keyboard Story
The year 2015 marked a significant shift in MacBook design. Departing from the long-standing scissor-switch mechanism, Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard with the ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook. Designed for sleekness, this new mechanism ultimately proved to be its Achilles’ heel. While fitting the slim profile of the 12-inch MacBook, the butterfly keyboard quickly became notorious for its fragility, with keys prone to sticking, repeating characters, or failing to register altogether.
The issue escalated with the second-generation butterfly keyboard’s integration into the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models in late 2016. User complaints surged, and the subsequent inclusion of the butterfly mechanism in the MacBook Air only amplified the discontent. This culminated in a 2018 class-action lawsuit, alleging Apple’s awareness of the keyboard’s defects. A concurrent online petition garnered nearly 43,000 signatures, highlighting the widespread frustration.
### Apple’s Response: Service Program and Eventual Apology
In June 2018, Apple launched the “Keyboard Service Program,” offering free repairs for eligible MacBooks for up to four years after their initial retail sale. The program covered issues such as repeating or missing characters and sticky keys. However, with all eligible models now discontinued for over four years, this program has officially run its course.
Apple eventually issued a public apology in March 2019, acknowledging the problems experienced by a “small number of users.” This statement, however, was met with skepticism by many who felt the issue was far more widespread.
### The Road to Redemption: Return to Scissor Switch and Legal Settlement
The 16-inch MacBook Pro, released in November 2019, marked a turning point. Apple reverted to the reliable scissor-switch mechanism, a move subsequently extended to the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. This signaled the end of the butterfly keyboard era and a renewed focus on reliability. All subsequent MacBooks, including those powered by Apple silicon, have continued to utilize the scissor-switch keyboard.
In July 2022, Apple agreed to a $50 million settlement for the U.S. class-action lawsuit. Eligible customers who filed valid claims received payouts ranging from $50 to $395.
The butterfly switch mechanism (iFixit)### Affected Models Included in the Service Program:
* MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015, Early 2016, 2017)
* MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018, 2019)
* MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 – Two and Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
* MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
