#记录我的2024#
Quick guide
In 2022, Apple reached a $50 million settlement for MacBook users between 2015 and 2019 to resolve the butterfly keyboard issue. The settlement commenced claims in late 2022 and was finally approved in May 2023. Apple first introduced the butterfly keyboard in 2015, but was widely criticized for issues such as sticky keys and repetitive characters, and finally stopped using the design in 2019. A class action lawsuit that began in 2018 held Apple responsible for its products, and in 2022 Apple was ordered to pay a settlement that required eligible users to reside in certain states. Depending on the severity of the issue, the amount of compensation can be up to $395. The court issued a payment order on June 27, which is expected to begin in August 2024. Currently, some eligible users have started receiving compensation checks, and the processing of other digital settlement requests is expected to be completed within this week.
An overview of the settlement agreement
In 2022, Apple reached a $50 million settlement for MacBook users between 2015 and 2019 who were facing issues with butterfly keyboards. The claim process began in late 2022 and was finally approved in May of the following year. As of today, eligible MacBook users are finally starting to receive compensation payments.
Butterfly keyboard issues
Apple first introduced the butterfly keyboard in 2015, accompanied by the release of the new 12-inch MacBook, followed by its inclusion in the MacBook Pro in 2016 and the MacBook Air in 2018. However, this keyboard design has encountered a number of issues that have raised concerns about its reliability and durability. Users have reported issues such as sticky keystrokes, duplicate characters, and the inability to enter specific characters. By the end of 2019, Apple ended its use of butterfly keyboards with the launch of the 16-inch MacBook Pro. By mid-2020, both the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air featured the new Magic Keyboard. However, this does not mark the end of Apple's challenge on the issue of butterfly keyboards.
Class Action Progress
Discussion of a class action lawsuit began in May 2018, with users claiming that the butterfly keyboard was "inoperable and unfit for its normal and intended use." In 2019, progress continued, and the judge asked Apple to face a class action lawsuit. In mid-2022, Apple was awarded a $50 million settlement, and the claims process began later that year, albeit with some restrictions. To be eligible for this settlement, an individual must reside in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, or Washington, excluding the other 43 states. This means that many users who use butterfly keyboards are not eligible. Additionally, the estimated amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the keyboard issue, ranging from up to $395 for two or more top case replacements, $125 for one top case replacement, and $50 for keycap replacements. Although this may not be the most desirable outcome for the client, those who qualify and submit a claim are in a lucky position these days.
Distribution of Compensation
On June 27, the court issued a payment order, and the official website shows that the payment will begin in August 2024. Even though it's only the third day of the month, eligible customers are starting to receive their payments. Today, I received two checks for compensation for $395 each, and I expect others to start receiving compensation as the mail is delivered nationwide. At this time, there is no update on the compensation for those who opted for the digital settlement request, but these payments are expected to be processed within this week. For those who have already received payment, enjoy the funds! If you're still using a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, this sum will undoubtedly help you. Are you able to submit a butterfly MacBook settlement claim? If so, have you already received the payment? Feel free to share your experience in the comments.