Apple launches new keyboard repair scheme for MacBook laptops

Apple has acknowledged issues with some of its recent MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop keyboards by announcing an extended service programme for devices affected by the problem.

The technology giant has said it will now replace one or more keys or even the whole keyboard on a range of its MacBook laptops that carry the “butterfly” key design – which a number of users have complained can stick or fail, either because of their design or after encountering dust.

The extended programme, which will make repairs free of charge, applies to every MacBook and MacBook Pro with the butterfly keys dating back to 2015.

Butterfly keyboards use a different mechanism than other keyboards, with the spring system beneath each key designed to make them more stable by lowering the whole key at once when pressed no matter where contact is made.

According to the scheme, it will cover issues around letters or characters that repeat unexpectedly, letters or characters that do not appear when pressed, and keys which feel “sticky” or do not respond in a consistent manner.

Apple says only a “small percentage” of keyboards may be affected, but also confirmed it would offer refunds to eligible users who had previously paid to have their device repaired.

The company also confirmed that the programme covered laptops up to four years after it was first bought at retail, making it one of the longest periods of coverage Apple offers for devices – extending beyond even its AppleCare programme, which lasts up to three years.