Apple declares exclusive third-generation keyboards for the 2018 MacBook Pro



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Last month, Apple launched a keyboard service program for MacBook and MacBook Pro, after determining that a "small percentage" of keyboards for the MacBook 2015-2017 and MacBook Pro 2016-2017 can meet sticky keys repeat, or do not respond consistently.



Apple has not identified any cause for these problems, which they call "behaviors", but it is thought that they are caused by dust and other particles that get jam in the butterfly switch mechanism under the keys.

Apple has provided free maintenance of affected keyboards, with the process of replacing one or more keys or the entire keyboard. For the MacBook Pro, replacements are second-generation keyboards – often the 2017 version with slightly different markings on the Control and Option keys.

Then, last week, Apple surprised us with new models of MacBook Pro 2018 featuring a "third generation enhanced keyboard for a quieter typing". These models are not eligible, at least not now, for the Apple service program.

Apple did not directly recognize whether quieter third-generation keyboards solve keyboard problems, but iFixit discovered that the 2018 MacBook Pro has a thin silicone barrier under each key, which they believe are intended to prevent dust and crumbs from getting stuck.

iFixit discovered a thin layer of silicone under the keys of the MacBook Pro 2018


For this reason, some customers were hoping that Apple will start trading its second generation. As part of its service program, MacRumors learned that this was not the case.

When asked if Apple Stores and Apple's authorized service providers will be allowed to replace second-generation keyboards on the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models with newer third-generation keyboards, if necessary, Apple has says, no, third-generation keyboards are exclusive to the 2018 MacBook Pro.

Fortunately, in this case, it means that Apple has quietly modified the second-generation keyboard to make it more reliable. That would not really make sense, and would not be very Apple, for them to continue using replacement keyboards that are as prone to breaking as those they replace.

Of course, it is possible that some customers who send their 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro may end up with a third-generation keyboard in rare circumstances, at the discretion of Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

To start a repair, go to the Apple Support Contact Portal, select Mac → Notebooks → Hardware Problems → The Keyboard Does Not Work As Expected → Make an Appointment with an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider . Do not forget to back up your Mac before any operation.

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