Will Apple replace the butterfly keyboard when my Mac runs out of warranty?

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Level 1

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Will Apple replace the butterfly keyboard when my Mac runs out of warranty?

I have a butterfly keyboard on my Mac (the one without the membrane) and had to bring it for a repair twice already within a relatively short space of time! Both times, they just changed the whole keyboard as the keys were sticky. Then I bought a keyboard cover which is OK but does not seal the keyboard, so it's not fully protected. The problem is that my warranty is going to end in a few months and I am petrified that the keyboard issue will reappear then. Is there anything that can be done before the warranty is up? Will Apple be willing to replace my keyboard even then, since it is a cock up on their side? Please, help. I really do not know what to do. I am not very rich, in fact I had to take a loan to get the Mac at first place. I did it to save money as I was told it's gonna last for years. Much longer than any other laptop. Now, I am absolutely gutted and bitterly disappointed that I wasted the money I don't have. I would appreciate any help and/or advice. Thank you very much.

Posted on Aug 5, 2019 2:53 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

72,152 points

Aug 5, 2019 6:11 PM in response to GeorgiK.Irl

This Apple keyboard service program that repairs or replaces problem keyboards at no cost to the owner:

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro - Apple Support

says this in the last line:

The program covers eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models for 4 years after the first retail sale of the unit.

That tells me you have coverage past the warranty period because of the special program.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,417 points

Aug 5, 2019 3:42 PM in response to GeorgiK.Irl

We are all other users here and would not be able to say how long anything will last. Actually, Apple probably will not be able to either. All electronic parts will fail sooner or later unfortunately and any computer/parts can fail at any time. So, no one should tell you that one will last longer than another because they do not know. Obviously, if you pay more for quality, it should last longer, but sometimes that is not true either.

So, as for your question: we do not know if Apple would replace it before your warranty ends if there is nothing wrong with it. Probably not, but book at appointment at the Genius Bar with maybe 3 - 4 weeks left on your warranty and ask them nicely.

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Answer 3

GeorgiK.Irl Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 6, 2019 4:28 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thank you very much Allan. I was not aware of this programme and it helps to know that Apple actually takes responsibility for their mistake. The butterfly keyboard was a really bad invention. My cousin has the previous model of Mac and never (in the 5 or 6 years since he bought it) experienced any issues with his keyboard which is the way it should be if you pay so much for the product.

Anyway, your answer really helped me to relax. I feel a bit better about it now. (Although I’d feel even better if Apple came up with a different type of keyboard that does not have this issue and used it to repair these butterfly monsters. Well, we’ll see.)

Thanks again sir, and have a wonderful day.

Georgi

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Answer 4

GeorgiK.Irl Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 6, 2019 5:06 AM in response to babowa

Dear babowa,

Thank you for your answer.

Do you work for Apple by any chance? It’s just weird that you’re justifying their mistake with such a lame argument. I am aware that nothing lasts forever. However, if such an expensive product fails twice within a few months, there is really no reason to make excuses for it but rather admit that Apple has done something wrong.

I hope that everything goes well for you.

Have a good day.

Georgi

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Answer 5

babowa

Level 9

78,417 points

Aug 6, 2019 8:19 AM in response to GeorgiK.Irl

No, I do not and never have worked for Apple. I am also not making excuses for them. I was simply stating facts.

You asked if they would replace the keyboard before your warranty ended without it exhibiting an issue at that time. And I answered that. I also stated that we would not be able to say how long anything would last - that is a fact.

Good luck.

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