Apple Inc. today reportedly agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class action lawsuit. In the case, consumers accused Apple of concealing the fact that the “butterfly” keyboard on its MacBook laptops was prone to failure. Apple has filed this preliminary settlement in federal court in San Jose, California, and hopes to have it approved by a judge. In addition to the $50 million settlement, MacBook users will receive four years of free keyboard repair service.
According to consumers who filed the lawsuit, the keyboards on the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have problems with sticky and unresponsive keys, and a small amount of dust or debris can make typing very difficult. They also said that Apple’s service was also inadequate and that the same problems persisted despite the provision of replacement keyboards.
The settlement covers customers who purchased MacBook, MacBook Air and most MacBook Pro models in seven U.S. states (California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Washington) between 2015 and 2019.
While agreeing to the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing.
Lawyers representing consumers anticipate that they may receive up to $395 for replacing multiple keyboards, up to $125 for replacing one keyboard, and up to $50 for replacing keycaps, according to the settlement.
In addition, court documents indicate that Girard Sharp LLP and Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP, the law firms representing consumers, may seek up to $15 million in legal fees, which will be deducted from the $50 million settlement fund.
