Despite Apple being compelled to abandon the keyboard technology they implemented a while ago, there are still older Mac computers that have butterfly keyboards. This information can be helpful in identifying your Mac model or if you plan to purchase a refurbished or second-hand computer.
The butterfly effect of Apple keyboards
The technology that was supposed to enhance the user writing experience turned into a nightmare for the company. The butterfly keyboard design resulted in keys that malfunctioned over time, repeating keystrokes, and an unsatisfactory typing experience for many users. In the most severe cases, Apple had to offer free repairs and replacements for models that presented critical errors.
Given the issues with the butterfly keyboard, Apple has made the decision to revert back to the more traditional scissor keyboard system. Despite being an older technology, it is more dependable and long-lasting. As a result, all Macs have been equipped with the scissor system for several years now. However, there are still certain computer models from a specific period that feature the butterfly keyboard.
- 12-inch MacBook with Retina display (Early 2015)
- 12-inch MacBook with Retina display (Early 2016)
- MacBook 12-inch with retina display (2017)
- MacBook Air 13-inch 2018
- 2019 13-inch MacBook Air
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with two USB Type-C ports (2016)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with four USB Type-C ports (2016)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with two USB Type-C ports (2017)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with four USB Type-C ports (2017)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with two USB Type-C ports (2018)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with four USB Type-C ports (2018)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with two USB Type-C ports (2019)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch, with four USB Type-C ports (2019)
- MacBook Pro 15-inch 2016
- MacBook Pro 15-inch 2017
- MacBook Pro 15-inch 2018
- 2019 15-inch MacBook Pro
From 2015 to 2019, Apple computers were equipped with the butterfly keyboard system, which was most commonly used in the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. Although these models have been on sale for a longer period, the new generations of Apple Silicon processors and computers introduced from late 2019 and early 2020 have reverted back to the scissor keyboard system, which is more reliable and durable.
However, it should be noted that not all models with a butterfly keyboard fall under Apple’s keyboard service program, meaning that users may have to pay for repairs if their model is not covered by the program.
