Apple has apologised to its consumers following reports that the silicone membranes added to its third-generation MacBook butterfly keyboards are causing problems.
The company chose to add the new membranes to prevent dust and debris getting under keys to prolong the life of the keyboard.
A report in the Wall Street Journal — titled “Appl Still Hasn’t Fixd Its MacBook Kyboad Problm” — highlighted the ongoing reports of issues with the keyboard, to which Apple responded with an apology, of sorts.
“We are aware that a small number of users are having issues with their third-generation butterfly keyboard and for that we are sorry,” an Apple spokesman said in a statement. “The vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard.”
Commentators are suspecting that the new butterfly keyboard system is too fragile, or that its springs are too weak which leads to them breaking down prematurely.
“I consider these keyboards the worst products in Apple history,” says Daring Fireball’s John Gruber in his report on the keyboards.
“MacBooks should have the best keyboards in the industry; instead they’re the worst. They’re doing lasting harm to the reputation of the MacBook brand.”
Although Apple has admitted there is a problem and has apologised, it hasn’t implemented any resolutions.
The third-gen keyboard is still covered under its free warranty, but as this appears to be a chronic issue, it’s unlikely that many will go to the trouble of having it repaired and will instead opt for a more reliable alternative.
