Owners of faulty butterfly keyboards used in MacBook machines between 2015 and 2019 are receiving emails from Apple on how to receive their payments, which could range from $300 to $395, MacRumors reports(Opens in a new window).
The email comes after Apple agreed to pay $50 million in July to settle a class-action lawsuit over the faulty keyboards. They led to characters repeating unexpectedly; letters or characters not appearing; and/or the keys feeling “sticky” or not responding in a consistent manner.
The lawsuit, which dates back to 2018, was filed by customers who argued that Apple hid the keyboard defect in a bid to continue to sell MacBooks.
The payment process will be in different tiers, according to a website(Opens in a new window) set up by Apple specifically for payment queries. MacBook Pro owners who were in receipt of at least two topcase replacements from Apple within four years of purchase are classed Group 1 Settlement Class Members, and will receive an automatic payment and an email about the settlement.
Group 2 Settlement Members are those who had a single topcase replacement. They are required to submit a claim form to receive compensation. Meanwhile, those who had a keycap replacement are classified as Group 3 Settlement Members and they will also need to submit a claim form to receive compensation.
The website adds that owners must submit their claims by March 6, 2023. Those who object to the settlement are asked to provide their comment in writing to the Court by Feb. 10, 2023. They can also speak at a final approval hearing which is scheduled for March 16, 2023.
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The email sent to owners and published in full by MacRumors, said: “Dear MacBook Owner, You are receiving this email because you previously reached out to our firm regarding your MacBook laptop.
On November 28, 2022, the Court granted preliminary approval of $50 million nationwide settlement that would benefit MacBook purchasers who had their “Butterfly” keyboard repaired. You can find more information about the settlement, eligibility, the approval process, and your options at www.KeyboardSettlement.com(Opens in a new window).”
