A federal judge has rejected Apple’s request to dismiss a class action lawsuit over its butterfly keyboards use in its 2015 and later MacBooks. The rejection of Apple’s request means the lawsuit will continue moving forward.
The complainants claim Apple knew of and concealed the fact that its 2015 and later MacBooks were equipped with “butterfly” keyboards that were prone to failure, and that its repair programs for the keyboard was insufficient, as the replacement keyboards could also fail.
San Jose District Judge Edward Davila on Monday ruled that Apple must face claims that its repair program did not provide an “effective fix” for the MacBook defects, or compensate customers for their out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.
The class action lawsuit covers customers that purchase 2015 MacBook models or later and 2016 MacBook Pro models or later, including all machines are equipped with the butterfly keyboard.
Apple has faced numerous complaints that the butterfly keyboard has a tendency to fail when exposed to dust or other small particles. The company launched a repair program for all MacBook models that are equipped with the keyboard in question. However, all replacement keyboards are also of the butterfly design
While Apple has revised the butterfly keyboard multiple times, the keyboard is still prone to failure.
Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro no longer features a keyboard using a butterfly mechanism, but has instead returned to the more reliable scissor mechanism.
Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Benjamin Johns, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he was pleased with the decision and looked forward to pursuing the case.