Apple apologizes for continued reliability problems with its MacBook keyboards

[cwa107]

Ugh! I thought the third generation butterfly keyboard was supposed to solve these problems. Sounds like it helps, but doesn't eliminate them. I think I'm keeping a keyboard cover on mine!

Apple apologizes for continued reliability problems with its MacBook keyboards - The Verge

 

[cwa107]

Another great article:

Appl Still Hasn’t Fixd Its MacBook Kyboad Problm

 

[krs]

Another great article:

Appl Still Hasn’t Fixd Its MacBook Kyboad Problm

But think of the positive environmental and financial aspect!

The savings in ink when one prints a document like that.

 

[iggibar]

I want to slap the person that published the second article. LOL

Typing this on my new 15" touch bar MBP. I have a reaaaallllyyyy hard time grasping and understanding the complaint form some people who say this is the worst keyboard design ever. Tight tolerances set aside, I understand how the keyboard getting crap underneath it could impact use. I don't want that to happen to my keyboard. Having many laptops, including a few Apple laptops, I actually like this keyboard. What I especially like is the uniform and consistent feel of each key. The way they keys are held firmly in place and don't allow jiggling is great for me! I have a lot of processing to do on my laptop, and having a keyboard that shortens typing time and effort is pleasure to me. I can fly on this keyboard!! What I'm curious about is if Apple is saying sorry, what are they going to do about crap getting underneath and causing erratic behavior? If it's such a serious issue, what could they possibly do? I wan this keyboard to stay just as is and last as long as all my other Apple computers.

 

[cwa107]

I don't have any complaint with the feel or operation of the keyboard. It's a little noisy, but even that doesn't really bother me, truth be told.

It's the long-term reliability that concerns me and Apple's underwhelming response to it. MacBooks were once known to be extraordinarily long-lived and reliable, which helped justify the premium prices. Now they just seem cost-reduced, while at the same time being even more expensive.

 

[krs]

It's the long-term reliability that concerns me and Apple's underwhelming response to it. MacBooks were once known to be extraordinarily long-lived and reliable, which helped justify the premium prices. Now they just seem cost-reduced, while at the same time being even more expensive.

Same here.
I had one keyboard on a 2018 MacBook pro replaced already. Not sure what the underlying problem (of some keys not operating) was, but crombs from eating at the keyboard definitely wasn't it.
The replacement keyboard was apparently the same version than the original - not some "improved" version.
Not too happy considering what we paid for this unit.

 

[cwa107]

Same here.
I had one keyboard on a 2018 MacBook pro replaced already. Not sure what the underlying problem (of some keys not operating) was, but crombs from eating at the keyboard definitely wasn't it.
The replacement keyboard was apparently the same version than the original - not some "improved" version.
Not too happy considering what we paid for this unit.

That's unfortunate. Thankfully I bought the AppleCare for my 2018-model MBA from the outset, so I know I'll have it in good working order for at least 3 years. Plenty of time to see how reliable the keyboard is in the long term. As much as it pains me to recommend spending another few hundred on an extended warranty that shouldn't be necessary, I'd recommend you do the same.

 

[krs]

That's unfortunate. Thankfully I bought the AppleCare for my 2018-model MBA from the outset, so I know I'll have it in good working order for at least 3 years. Plenty of time to see how reliable the keyboard is in the long term. As much as it pains me to recommend spending another few hundred on an extended warranty that shouldn't be necessary, I'd recommend you do the same.

Too late for me - Apple apparently changed the rules to buy AppleCare which I never knew and Apple sure didn't tell me when I bought the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air I just bought recently - instead of having a year to decide if you want to buy AppleCare, one now has to decide within 60 days after purchase.

PS: Is that really true or does that only apply for AppleCare+ ?
I have to dig to find out.

 

[chscag]

That rule only applies for Apple Care Plus. The regular Apple Care without the accidental coverage (Plus) can still be purchased within one year. At least that's what is being reported at MacForums from reliable sources. Give Apple a call to make sure.

 

[ferrarr]

This shows both as separate purchases, AppleCare+ - Mac - Apple

 

[krs]

This shows both as separate purchases, AppleCare+ - Mac - Apple

That link for me shows only the AppleCare+ option and it is presented as if this was the only option essentially replacing AppleCare.

Every link so far that I follwed from google brought me to the AppleCare+ page.

Then I found a link that tells me to log into my Apple account to buy AppleCare and all I get is this:

We couldn’t find an eligible Mac.

We didn’t find an eligible Mac associated with this Apple ID.

Check a serial number to determine eligibility to buy.

Your Mac might be associated with a different account.
Sign in with a different Apple ID

It sure doesn't look as if the normal AppleCare that one could buy anytime within the first year is still available.

 

[ferrarr]

Sorry, this is the page that mentions both options, AppleCare - Apple, I assumed the ”Learn More” link in the Mac section would address both options. I’m just silly expecting Apple to explain both of those options.

 

[krs]

I have been to that page before as well.
It mentions two options but when you the go to the Mac section at the very left on the bottom to get details, you end up on the same page you posted before which covers just AppleCare+

I guess I will have to call, I would just like to know how much normal AppleCare is for both a MacBook pro and a MacBook air

 

[krs]

Apple sure manages to confuse the heck out of everyone
Can I still buy AppleCare for my MacBook Pro within one year of the purchase date? : mac

The links posted on that discussion, at least the ones I checked, all end up on the same AppleCare+ page.

Someone there mentioned that
a. AppleCare+ is only $30.- more than AppleCare, and
b. One can buy AppleCare+ even after the 60 day window once Apple checks the Mac to make sure it's still in good shape

But in the discussion there is also mention made of Apple reps providing the wrong information.

 

[iggibar]

I have the same thing going on. If you go to search for AppleCare via your serial number(15" MacBook Pro touch bar), the only option for me is the $379 dollar AppleCare +.

Is there no other alternate AppleCare seller like there used to be?

$379 for extended warranty on something they claim they know is an issue seems almost like paying extra money for a scam. I'm not doing it.

 

[ferrarr]

It seems like you are correct. I usually get my AppleCare from B&H Photo, but not anymore, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Applecare&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=.

Only available at time of purchase.

 

[Rod]

I just had the battery replaced on my 2015 MBPr under Australian Consumer Law it had to be replaced at no cost because the device is less than 3 years old but the unexpected bonus was that for some reason Apple also has to replace the keyboard and trackpad with a battery change because? Apparently they are part of the same assembly. So although there was nothing wrong with either I get a new set.

 

[krs]

It seems like you are correct. I usually get my AppleCare from B&H Photo, but not anymore, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Applecare&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=.

Only available at time of purchase.

What B&H Photo states isn't correct either unless they have some restrictions selling AppleCare which doesn't apply if one buys from Apple directly.

From what I have seen so far:
AppleCare (the old version) is no longer available at all, no matter when you want to buy it
AppleCare+ must either be bought within 60 days of purchasing the computer, or after that it can be purchased if the computer passes the remote Apple hardware test.

 

[RavingMac]

All this makes me want to wring as many years out of my 2012 MBP as I can. After it goes belly up, I don’t know what I will do . . . May end up with a Windows laptop unless Apple reverses their trend

 

[krs]

I just called Apple Canada to get the info about AppleCare straight from the horse's mouth so to speak.

First off - the "old" AppleCare is still avaulable, the Apple rep kept referring to it as "Apple Protection Plan" and one can buy that up to one year after the purchase date of the Mac.
For a MacBook air, the price is $279.- and it covers everything except accidental damage.

AppleCare+ can only be bought up to 60 days after the purchase date of the Mac.
There is no program where one can buy AppleCare+ after that 60 day window period. This idea that one can buy AppleCare+ if Apple runs a successful hardware test is plain wrong.
There was a short program around the holidays extending the 60 day window to 90 days, but that program has ended.
AppleCare+ btw covers up to two incidents of accidental damage in addition to everything the "old" AppleCare covers.