Apple fails to end MacBook 'butterfly' keyboard class action
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A federal judge on Monday rejectedAppleInc'sbid to dismiss a proposedclass-actionlawsuit by customers who said it knew and concealed how the "butterfly"keyboards on itsMacBooklaptop computers were prone to failure.
USDistrict Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California saidApplemust face claims that its troubleshooting program did not provide an "effective fix" forMacBookdesign defects, or fully compensate customers for their out-of-pocket expenses while seeking repairs.
Customers claimed that theirMacBook,MacBookPro, andMacBookAir laptopkeyboards suffered from sticky keys, unresponsive keys, and keystrokes that failed to register when tiny amounts of dust or debris accumulated under or near keys.
They also saidApple's service program was inadequate because the Cupertino, California-based company often provided replacementkeyboards that had the same problems.
The lawsuit covers purchasers of model year 2015 or laterMacBooklaptops, and model year 2016 or laterMacBookPros laptops. It seeks a variety of damages for violations of several states' consumer protection laws.
Appledid 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.
Last month,Appleintroduced aMacBookPro with a larger screen and new "Magic"keyboardwith the "scissor" mechanism more commonly found in the industry. The hinged butterfly mechanism resembles a butterfly's wings.
Mac sales, including variousMacBookmodels, accounted for about 10 per centofApple's $260.2 billion of net sales in its fiscal yearended September28.
The case is In re MacBookKeyboardLitigation, USDistrict Court, Northern District of California, No. 18-02813.