Apple Keyboard Service Program
Today there was something interesting I found with my Macbook Pro 2018 Model. It started to double type the keys I press a week before. My first thought was it could be something I am doing it. So after a few days I started to see the issue happening for some other keys also. Then I did some search on the internet and could see this was a known issue with this model keyboards and Apple has already got a keyboard Service Program. To my surprise I do not know about this. So there are so many service programs like this. Let us see in detail about each one.
In-depth of Keyboard service program
The issue seems to have a bigger history. The keyboard used in the Models of Macbook Pro models of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Apple used the butterfly type keyboards in these models which was advertised as the new model of keyboard which is better than the old model which used scissor type keyboards. Later they came up the new version know as version 2 for the Macbook Pro 2018 models but unfortunately it also had the same issues. Now could see the 2019 models has also been added to this list of service program.
Apple moved to a butterfly design for a thinner keyboard that allowed for cheating thinner models.Butterfly keys generally have less travel than scissor switch keys and there’s less squish and less movement. Also there is more space for dust to accumulate, which is was the main cause for Apple’s issues
Butterfly type keyboard Issues
When dust and debris get into the butterfly keyboard mechanism the keys get stuck. They start repeating or fail to work entirely or some of the keys may fail. So some keys will double type as Issue issue I have. There are also so many other kinds of issues you might experience.
Apple tried to improve the butterfly keyboard over several years through various improvements such as the addition of membranes and adding some layers of protection in the keyboard versions they introduced throughout the releases. This model did not work out well as expected. So every year I could see they have added the new models also to the service program.
As per Apple Site here is the list of models Eligible
Eligible Models for Apple Keyboard Service Program
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Service Process
Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have your keyboard serviced. Your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that it is eligible for this program.
The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard. The service turn-around time may vary depending upon the type of service and availability of replacement parts.
What is done at Service
With my experience I got an update from the service provider that they have ordered the parts with Apple. It seems they will be replacing the top cover along with the keyboard and Track pad. When I checked with them if they will be replacing it with the new Sciscor model keyboard they are not clear. Looks they do not know about this. From the other blogs what came to know is that they replace again with the same model of keyboard which is butterfly type. So this looks to be bit unfair as we know they have issues.
The service program qualifies for 4 years from the date of purchase. so what will happen if the issue occurs again. So do I need to pay far the replacement of a part that is known to have issues and agreed by Apple. Really I don’t have an answer during this time. My Macbook Pro has just completed 4 years. So I will be in trouble if it fails again. Could see the comments from people that they have got their keyboards replaced many times. Will Apple come up with any long term solution or replace them with the Scissor type keyboards.
Reason for same keyboard replacement
Not sure why they use the same keyboard may be they are not compatible with the previous models. The new models may have different design than the new models. So from the design updates of the butterfly model is that the key size and height has been decrease to create slim models. So if we replace them with new version of scissor model the height might increase which in turn will damage the screen when closed. This is the fair and closest reason I could think of. Also the spacing and the size of the keyboards are not the same always as the design of the models gets updated.
Final thoughts on Apple Keyboard Service Program
There is one more thing that most of the consumers are not much aware of these kind of service programs for different products. So this made me to write this article. I gathered the details from various sources so that we can get the details form single place which will be useful for me and others. Will look for not only Apple products and will start creating posts with the details to help out users around the globe. I am happy to welcome your comments and feedbacks on this so that every one can be benefited.
The concept and idea of the service program is good as they know it is a faulty from their side and it is protected by the consumer laws. There is no long term fix for this as it looks to be only kind of work around. If they can address what happens after the 4 years is the once which will be question of users like me. Looks the new models of Macbook Pro after 2019 are using the scissor type keyboard I am planning to get this clarified with Apple once my service is done. Let us hope to see if there is an better option for this. The service programs are bit different from the recall programs and MacBook service programs in which they replace the part with the new redesigned tech.
Apple Recall Programs - yes2k.com
[…] It is known for its hardware and software support. So people around the world use it to a large scale. I have friends who still use the old iPhones. That is the reason why there are only less complaints in service on Apple. Still there are few service programs that has made Apple to recall the products for service. So let us look into a few Recall Programs that are still active. Apple customer first is well know and it has been proved in various Service programs like the one for keyboard. […]
Apple Replacement Programs - yes2k.com
[…] the Apple replacement programs, Service programs, recall programs are are aimed to provide Customer satisfaction and safety as the first priority. […]
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