MacBook owners may owe up to $395 to Apple, but there are only a few days left to file a claim.
A class action lawsuitfiled in 2018claims that Apple knew the "butterfly" design used for years in its MacBook keyboards was flawed, but "fraudulently concealed" the problem.
Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard design in 2015 on its 12-inch MacBook. Unlike traditional keyboards, which use two pieces of plastic that cross and close like scissors, the keys on the butterfly keyboard were attached with a wing-like hinge.
According to Apple, the design made the laptop much slimmer.
But according to the lawsuit, customers complained about "characters that repeated themselves unexpectedly; letters or characters that did not appear; and/or keys that felt 'sticky' or did not respond in a consistent manner."
The plaintiffs allege that the tech giant knew about the flaw for years and failed to notify customers, replace the keyboards or recall the computers. A repair program was launched in 2018, but only old butterfly components were replaced with new ones.
Apple agreed$50 Million Settlementin July 2022. The company did not respond to a request for comment but denied any wrongdoing in its filings.
Find out who is eligible for money from Apple, how much you can get from the settlement, and what the deadline is to file a claim.
Who is eligible for a payment from Apple?
If you purchased a MacBook between 2015 and 2019 and need to replace the keyboard or individual keys, you are entitled to compensation.
If you're not sure if your model is covered, you can do that toolook here.
How much money could I get?
The amount you can receive from the settlement depends on the number of repairs you had to have carried out on your MacBook.
Individuals who had to replace multiple keyboards within four years of purchase are considered Group 1 settlement members and are entitled to an estimated payment between $300 and $395.
You can still qualify for Group 1 as long as you need two or more top case replacements before November 28, 2024 (the top case contains the keyboard and other major components).
If you believe you are in Group 1 but have not received a notification, please call the claims administrator at 855-579-1311. (You can also use onechange of address form, If necessary.)
If you only need to replace the keyboard once, you are considered part of the Group 2 settlement class and could receive as much as $125. However, you must submit an application form.
And if you only had to replace individual keys, you're eligible for up to $50. (You must also submit an application form.)
What is the deadline for submitting a claim?
The deadline for filing a claim in the Butterfly Keyboard Settlement is23:59. PT on March 6, 2023.
The deadline to appeal the settlement – or withdraw and retain the right to file separate lawsuits – was February 10, 2023.
How do I file a claim?
You can make a claim regardingsettlement websiteor send a completed form to:
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Re: MacBook Keyboard Dispute Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91341
Seattle, WA 98111
For all Class Members, if Apple does not have a record of your repair or purchase, you must provide proof of purchase or repair.
When will I get my money?
A final approval hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2023.
Any payments would then disappear, but the process could be delayed by appeals.
