Butterfly keyboards: Apple discontinues repair program Apfelpatient

Apple has a clear line: innovation comes first. But not every innovation is permanent. This is clearly shown by the history of the butterfly keyboard, which was celebrated as a technical highlight when it was introduced in 2015 but quickly caused problems. Apple has now ended the repair program for these keyboards.

If you own a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, you may have heard about the problems – or even experienced them yourself. Apple had launched a repair program for affected devices to counteract the frustration of many customers. But with the official End This program also marks the end of an era in the history of MacBooks.

What is the butterfly keyboard?

The butterfly keyboard was first introduced in 2015 with the MacBook. It was a central part of the new design that made Apple's notebooks even slimmer and lighter. The eponymous butterfly mechanism was developed to improve the stability of the keys and optimize the typing experience. But the technology had crucial weaknesses:

Unreliable input: Many users reported that keystrokes were either registered twice or not registered at all.
Dust sensitivity: Even the smallest particles could cause individual keys to no longer function.
Repair effort: The butterfly mechanism was firmly integrated into the upper case part, which made repairs expensive and complex.

Apple was forced to launch a repair program that offered affected customers free assistance – at least within the warranty period.

Why did Apple end the repair program?

In 2018 cleared Apple officially admitted that a "small percentage" of users had problems with the butterfly keyboard. As a result, owners of certain MacBook models were able to have their devices repaired free of charge. However, the program only applied for the first four years after the date of purchase. Since Apple has no longer sold devices with this keyboard since 2019, all warranties for these models have now expired. For Apple, this means that the effort for the repair program is no longer justified. But for users who still own a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, this poses a challenge.

What does this mean for you?

If you have a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard and the keyboard is causing problems, there is no longer a free repair option. Instead, you have to cover the costs yourself, which can be quite high. Here is an overview:

High repair costs: Before the repair program was introduced, Apple charged over 1,000 euros for some models. This is because a defective keyboard often requires the entire upper half of the case to be replaced.
Limited alternatives: Third-party repairs are often problematic with Apple devices because spare parts are not freely available.

Given these high costs, the question arises as to whether a repair even makes sense – especially if the device is already older.

What are your alternatives?

Repair at your own expense: If your MacBook is otherwise in good condition and you want to continue using it, a repair may be worthwhile. However, you should check the costs carefully in advance.
Use an external keyboard: An external keyboard is a cost-effective interim solution if you mainly work stationary. However, this means you lose some of your mobility.
Buying a new model: Since the MacBook Pro 16” from 2019, Apple has once again used the scissor mechanism, which has proven to be much more robust in practice. Upgrading to a newer model may be the better solution in the long term.

Apple closes the chapter Butterfly keyboard: Your options at a glance

The butterfly keyboard was a technical innovation, but it was plagued with problems from the start. With the end of the repair program, Apple is finally closing this chapter. For you as a user, this means that if there are defects, you now have to bear the repair costs yourself - and these can be high. It is therefore crucial to carefully consider whether a repair is worthwhile or whether you would rather invest in a new MacBook. If you currently own a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, you should carefully consider which solution makes the most sense for you. Regardless of whether you decide on a repair, an external keyboard or a new device, one thing is clear: Apple has learned from its mistakes and is once again relying on tried and tested technology in its current models. (Photo by PixieMe / Bigstockphoto)