Apple MacBook butterfly keyboard defect $50M class action settlement

Update: 

• The court granted this settlement final approval May 25, 2023.
• Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Settlements & Payouts Facebook group.

Apple agreed to a $50 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that past MacBook laptops were sold with a defective butterfly keyboard.

The settlement benefits consumers who purchased certain Apple MacBook products and obtained a keycap replacement or top case replacement repair from Apple or an authorized service provider within the first four years of ownership. The Apple butterfly keyboard settlement covers the following Apple products:

• 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, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, two 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)

The settlement class includes three groups. 

Group 1 is made up of class members who obtained at least two top case replacements. Group 2 is made up of class members who obtained only one top case replacement. Group 3 is made up of class members who obtained one or more keycap replacements. 

According to an Apple class action lawsuit, these laptops were equipped with defective keyboards that caused repeated sticking or failure of keys. Plaintiffs in the case claim Apple knew its 2015 to 2019 laptops were defective but failed to take action to fix the problem. Instead, Apple allegedly forced consumers to foot the bill for costly repairs.

Apple hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $50 million class action settlement to resolve these claims.

Under the terms of the Apple butterfly keyboard settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on their group status and the amount they paid for keyboard repairs. 

Members of Group 1 can receive an initial payment of $300 but could receive up to $395, based on the number of participating class members. 

Group 2 class members can receive up to $125. 

Group 3 class members can receive up to $50. 

Actual payments for all groups may be reduced based on the number of participating class members.

Apple butterfly keyboard settlement class members remain protected by Apple’s four-year Keyboard Service Program, which provides coverage for future keyboard issues. 

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Feb. 10, 2023. 

The final approval hearing for the Apple MacBook butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit settlement is scheduled for March 16, 2023.

Group 1 class members will receive their payments automatically but can update their address on the settlement website. Group 2 and 3 class members must file a claim to receive payments.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members may need to take action by March 6, 2023. 

Who’s Eligible

Consumers who purchased certain Apple MacBook products and obtained a keycap replacement or top case replacement repair from Apple or an authorized service provider within the first four years of ownership

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Proof of purchase may include Macbook serial number and/or proof of model purchased, purchase date (month/year), seller, and the amount of the purchase

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

03/06/2023

Case Name

In re: MacBook Keyboard Litigation, Case No. 5:18-CV-02813-EJD, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Final Hearing

03/16/2023

Settlement Website

KeyboardSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

In re MacBook Keyboard Litigation
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91341
Seattle, WA 98111
info@KeyboardSettlement.com
855-579-1311

Class Counsel

Simon S Grille
GIRARD SHARP LLP

Steven A Schwartz
CHIMICLES SCHWARTZ KRINER & DONALDSON-SMITH LLP

Defense Counsel

Claudia Vetesi
MORRISON FOERSTER