Apple has initiated payments from its $50 million settlement over the defective MacBook butterfly keyboards. The settlement, approved last year, addresses a class action lawsuit filed in 2018.
Keyboard owners with approved claims are now receiving checks of up to $395. Michael Burkhardt of 9to5Mac confirmed receiving two settlement checks.
The butterfly keyboard, introduced in 2015, quickly faced backlash due to “sticky” and unresponsive keys and a vulnerability to dust and debris. Despite launching a repair program, Apple only replaced defective keyboards with the same problematic design. By 2019, Apple had shifted to a “scissor-switch” design.
The 2018 lawsuit alleged that Apple knowingly concealed the keyboard’s defects. Although Apple denied these allegations and admitted no wrongdoing, it agreed to a $50 million settlement in 2022.
Details of the Settlement Payouts
According to the settlement website, eligibility for these payments was limited to Apple customers in seven states who needed repairs and filed claims by the specified deadlines, as reported by Reuters. The specifics are as follows:
- Two or more topcase replacements: $300-$395
- One topcase replacement: Up to $125
- Keycap replacements: Up to $50
- Eligible states: California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Washington
The settlement details can be found on the case’s FAQ page, ensuring that eligible claimants are aware of their compensation options.
Featured Image courtesy of Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images
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