Apple confirms 2018 MacBook Pro has different keyboard design
After months of negative comments from consumers, it appears that Apple has slightly changed the design of the new 2018 MacBook Pro keyboard.
While it’s not advertised as a fix for any previous issues, it’s rather marketed as an “improved third-generation keyboard for quieter typing.” The changes have been noted in an internal document distributed to Apple Authorized Service Providers. The document states that 2018 MacBook Pro models are equipped with a “membrane” to “prevent debris from entering the butterfly mechanism.”
The Canadian and European versions of the support document mention the changes in the body while the U.S version has a sub-document to advise of the changes. Both of these can be seen below.
Keyboard and Keycaps
The keyboard has a membrane under the keycaps to prevent debris from entering the butterfly mechanism. The procedure for the space bar replacement has also changed from the previous model. Repair documentation and service videos will be available when keycap parts begin shipping.
Caution: The keyboard has a membrane under the keycaps to prevent debris from entering the butterfly mechanism. Be careful not to tear the membrane. A torn membrane will result in a top case replacement.
These changes arrive after multiple lawsuits have been filed against the Cupertino firm. Since then a service program has launched for the 2015-and-later MacBook and 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro keyboards, both of which are equipped with the newer butterfly switch mechanisms. The program offers free repairs, but these repairs will not use the same keyboard built-in to the 2018 MacBook Pro