Late 2016 13" MacBook Pro Faulty Keyboard Program is useless in most cases. Needs re-writing.

Recently, I started facing issues with my Keyboard's certain keys that would act sticky. Upon research and reading up on apple's website, I found out that apple had created a program for this problem as this series of MacBooks had a lot of defected/faulty devices that had been shipped out in the market. The program clearly stated that if my MacBook would fall under that mfg detailed category, then the repair/replacement service for me would be done for free at any apple/ apple authorised service centre. Upon diagnosis, the authorised service centre I gave my laptop too, came back to me stating that the keyboard program would be void for my laptop inspite of being the MacBook falling under the correct category for the program fulfilment because there was an additional problem with the battery, which apparently is linked with keyboard top case unit. The problem they found with my battery was that according to them, it was consumed beyond it's adequate count of 800, and the current count of it was 989. And since the battery cannot be repaired or replaced separately according to them, they said they cannot cover the cost of replacing my keyboard top case under the program, because the problem is also with the battery. Now I noted, that according to the program, if my MacBook Pro has any damage which impairs the service, that issue will need to be repaired first. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair. Based on this, it is imperative for them to repair/fix the battery, even if it involves replacing it to be able to consider my MacBook Pro viable for the keyboard service program. I do not even mind paying for the repair/replacement of the battery. But what I don't understand is that if the keyboard and the battery are all a part of one unit as they mentioned and either cannot be serviced/repaired/fixed/replaced separately, then why isn't that point clearly been mentioned anywhere in the program?


My second issue and one of very much importance is that the battery showing signs of being consumed over a period of 2 years 5 months is something very normal. As normal as for any battery operated device that uses a Lithium ion battery, the life of that battery is limited and upon usage, is going to get consumed, so how can that be so easily used as an excuse to count a customer/his or her MacBook Pro void for a program that apple came up with accepting its fault for the issue they created with this series of MacBook Pros? And if that were the case, it should have been clearly stated in the fine print and service process requirements of the program. Since it isn't, Apple IS SUPPOSED TO accept any and all MacBook Pros that fall under this category and circumstance.


So my request is to have this program amended properly in detail as soon as possible so I can re-submit my laptop and have this program availed for my keyboard..as the top-case unit of this device has multiple (and almost all possibly important) parts glued on to it, like the battery, trackpad, keyboard. Now if either of these other parts would have an issue, the entire top case would have to be replaced to have it repaired. Which will end up making the consumer pay for the service instead of having it repaired for free as per the program. The program hence loses it's sense and use of existing in the twist and turn of words in the details.


I'm tired of speaking to the authorities and senior advisors at Apple India, as they have not been successful in being able to provide any support regarding this. I want this matter to be taken higher, to the department that creates these programs and have it re-written accordingly to be able to actually provide SUPPORT to the customers going through this issue.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 22, 2019 12:48 AM

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Jun 22, 2019 7:23 PM in response to MBP13KeyboardProgram

FYI, Apple is not here on these forums only other users such as yourself.


Unless the rules are different in your region, Apple or an AASP should replace the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly under the free Apple Keyboard repair program. The condition of the battery is irrelevant in regards to the keyboard replacement program.


If you don't have another Apple Store or AASP to go to, then click the support link on the Apple website and see if you can chat or contact Apple or if you have a mail-in repair option available in your region.


The public repair program notice has a link to a mail-in repair option. See if you qualify. The article also has a link to locate an AASP. Also the link only mentions that damage must be addressed first and a consumed battery is not damage and I don't believe it matters.


Regardless, make sure your computer is backed up before taking it in for service as Apple could erase the drive during the repair.

Jun 22, 2019 8:10 PM in response to HWTech

I disagree with HWTech. But as they point out, Readers here are other Users like you, and no one here has authority to speak for Apple, Inc.


Apple states, deep in their support documents, that they will only provide free repairs under service programs for computers that do not require any other repairs -- in other words, computers that, outside of the recallable issue, are operating perfectly. This has always been their policy, and it has not changed.


Regardless of whether you never operated your computer except on the power adapter, or deeply discharged it every day for years, Apple warrants the battery for the same amount of time as the computer -- one year, unless you purchased AppleCare. There is no other express or implied warranty on the battery. There are only typical use patterns and typical numbers of cycles expected before replacement, and they are not guaranteed.


With the advent of AppleCare PLUS, Apple has sharply reduced the number of field-replaceable assemblies, and greatly increased their complexity. This makes repairs (for users who decided NOT to purchase AppleCare Plus) more expensive.


If you would like to fight with Apple about this you are welcome to do so. But posting here is just "preaching to the choir".


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If I were in your situation, I would pay for the battery replacement, and know that that repair includes a free improved keyboard, which will could solve your other issue.

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Late 2016 13" MacBook Pro Faulty Keyboard Program is useless in most cases. Needs re-writing.

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