Defective MacBook keyboards: Get up to $545

In March 2021, a class action lawsuit was filed in Quebec against Apple Canada and its parent company Apple alleging that the automated “butterfly” keyboard installed on some MacBook laptops was defective.

The term “butterfly” refers to the keyboard mechanism introduced by Apple to reduce typing height and make the keys more comfortable. A mechanism was installed under the keys, not in the shape of a cross (“X” strut as usual), but in the shape of a “V”, like the wings of a butterfly.

Many users have had to deal with unexpected repetition of characters, not displaying certain characters or letters and “stuck” or inconsistent response to keys, notes documents provided by M^H David Asor of law firm Lex Group appears before the Superior Court of Quebec.

Between $69 and $545 per MacBookerect

Apple has already been targeted by a similar class action lawsuit in the US, where it awarded $50 million in global damages to US consumers in July 2022, without admitting liability.

In Quebec, prosecution lawyers and the company agreed to a settlement worth a total of $6 million for buyers in the province. This settlement was submitted to the Superior Court of Quebec and approved last November.

Apple will offer between $69 and $545 per computer, depending on the number of key repairs or keyboard replacements per computer, provided the repair is performed by Apple or at one of its authorized service centers. Repairs performed by another dealer are not taken into account.

• Tier 1: MacBook owners who receive at least two replacements for the entire keyboard unit will receive $545 per computer.
• Category 2: MacBook owners who received one replacement for the entire keyboard unit, if that doesn't solve their problem, can submit a claim form and get $173 per computer.
• Tier 3: MacBook owners who had to replace one or more of their keyboard keys, but not the keyboard module, will be able to get $69 per computer.

The proposed settlement does not constitute an admission of guilt on Apple's part.

Who can be replaced?

To benefit from the agreement, you must reside in Quebec or purchase a computer in the province for personal use – a list of eligible computers appears at the end of this text.

You can file multiple claims if you purchased multiple MacBooks and had to repair several of them. The repair had to be carried out within four years of purchase.

The company will automatically pay you certain compensation if the computer is registered in its records.

The class action administrator, RicePoint, sent an email to all MacBook buyers who contacted Apple about a keyboard issue.

If you do not receive or cannot find an email (check your spam box) and believe you are entitled to this compensation, you must complete the This claim form Before June 30th.

How to submit your claimion?

If you have your RicePoint email, just start filling it out Complaint form Online by indicating the claim number and password in the email. You will also need to state your payment preferences (by mail or wire transfer) and confirm your email address.

Don't forget to check the box “Qualified keyboard repair did not solve your keyboard problems” to qualify for compensation.

If you're in Category 1 ($545 reimbursement), you don't have to do anything else: You should receive your Interac transfer by the end of the summer.

If you fall into the other two categories, you will need to provide several pieces of information, including the device type and serial number, the repair performed and its date, contact details of the authorized repair center, etc.

If you belong to the third category, you will also need to provide proof of repair of your MacBook to benefit from compensation.

Consult Class action website For all other details. You may also contact the Class Action Administrators at 1 866 573-1796.

Which MacBooks had a cclavFirst butterfly?

Apple stopped manufacturing this type of keyboard in 2020. Older models, which appear in the list below, are affected by this class action.

To check which model you're using, go to the “apple” menu and then click “About this Mac,” where the laptop's name, model, and year appear.

• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, dual Thunderbolt 3)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)

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