Hey Beaners,
So I've had this same "phantom movement" issue with my 2011 MBP for quite a while now. Spoke with multiple Apple techs. Here' s the deal...
It is hardware related and software related. The fancy technology behind the trackpad makes it hyper-sensitive and temperamental to environmental conditions. Apple designers and engineers apparently innovated the trackpad but undermined it's overall durability in the process.
Because of this, this "magic trackpad" is particularly susceptible to things like the natural oils on our fingers, humidity in the air, etc. Mine goes on the fritz every time it rains or humidity is above 80%.
Frankly, it's probably something the company simply couldn't anticipate because this sort of stuff can show up much later. Unfortunately it leaves people like us having to live with, and ultimately pay for their shortcomings. Durability is definitely one thing that Apple has not addressed. It's actually kind of remarkable how little attention it's received considering how much of a market need there is for it.
With cars they have recalls because we can die from things they designed or engineered poorly. But with computers it's perfectly acceptable not to be accountable after warranty (a la Applecare) runs out even though our workflow, metaphorically speaking, can die from their shortcomings. As they say, it is what it is. An Apple manager literally uttered those words to me. It was funny how sad that was.
Anyway, I purchased a separate wireless trackpad and disabled the built-in one in Settings > Accessibility. I also use a Wacom tablet most of the time. Between the two I can ride this machine out a bit longer.
Personally I'm waiting for the full re-redesign of the MBP. I've grown tired of this one which, other than getting slimmer, hasn't changed its uni-body style since 2011. That's 5 years! Um yeah.
My prediction is late October, mainly because Apple is deep discounting their current line of MBP's right now. Lets just HOPE its not another underwhelming "update".
Between stuff like this, and my iPhone 6 screen cracking if the squirrel across the street breaks wind, they really need to start building far more durable products — not just "innovative" and "beautiful" ones.
For the record, I am a professional designer and visual thinker. I live for great design. But it has to work in the real world, not just in idealized commercials.
Apple should know better, and get back to leading the way, not trying to beautify their way out of this "post Steve" hiccup.
