Apple settles for 49 million euros after claim of controversial butterfly keyboard

Apple has agreed to pay approximately $49 million to customers who have purchased a MacBook with butterfly keyboard. It is estimated that those affected from some American states can expect compensation of up to 386 euros.

The class action lawsuit was brought against Apple over the controversial butterfly keyboard, a key technique that according to the prosecutors was too fragile and could therefore quickly break. Apple would have known this and deliberately withheld it.

In addition, Apple’s repair program is said to have acted inadequately, by replacing vulnerable butterfly keyboards with the same keyboard technique, which did not solve future problems. Apple settles the case, which does not mean that a judge has actually found the company guilty. A settlement does not technically equate to pleading guilt.

Customers in the states of California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Washington who purchased a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with a butterfly keyboard between 2015 and 2019 may be eligible for compensation. The amount depends on the situation and the number of victims who are eligible for compensation. It is estimated that someone who has only had the keycaps or a single keyboard replaced will receive 49 and 122 euros respectively. The maximum estimated compensation per individual is approximately 386 euros and applies to victims who have had to have a butterfly keyboard replaced several times.

It is not known how many victims in the seven American states are entitled to the settlement fund of 49 million euros. In addition, approximately 14.6 million euros will be deducted from the total amount to pay the law firms involved, such as reports Reuters.

On the left the traditional MacBook switches and on the right the controversial butterfly variant