In 2015, Apple introduced a major innovation for its laptops, the butterfly keyboard, featuring a new design concept. The core technology of the butterfly keyboard involves unique aluminum alloy butterfly-like mechanisms under each key, ensuring more uniform key depression.
Compared to traditional scissor-switch keyboards, this design reduces key tilt and wobble, providing more stable key response and faster typing speed. It also allows for thinner laptop profiles, enhancing overall user experience.
Apple initially applied the butterfly keyboard to MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air laptops with high expectations. However, the keyboards faced criticism for inadequate key feedback, discomfort during typing, and issues such as key malfunction, repeated characters, and excessive noise. These faults were widespread rather than isolated incidents.
Despite multiple repair programs and keyboard replacements, these measures did not fully resolve the issues. Consequently, in 2019, Apple decided to phase out the butterfly keyboard and return to traditional scissor-switch keyboards.
In 2018, numerous MacBook users filed class-action lawsuits against Apple. In 2022, Apple agreed to a $50 million settlement for eligible users who purchased MacBook laptops between 2015 and 2019. Compensation amounts vary based on the severity of issues encountered, ranging up to $395 for users who had their top case repaired twice or more within four years post-purchase.
The settlement was approved in May 2023, with payment orders issued in June 2024. Apple has begun disbursing compensation to verified and approved users, though full distribution is expected to take considerable time due to the large number of affected users.
This concludes the butterfly keyboard saga, spanning nearly six years. Despite the negative impact on users, Apple has taken responsibility throughout, ultimately providing compensation, which has been generally acknowledged as commendable.
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