New MacBook Air and Base 13-Inch MacBook Pro Have Same Keyboard as Higher-End 2019 MacBook Pros

Good information: each the brand new MacGuide Air and the brand new entry-level 13-inch MacGuide Pro fashions launched right this moment have the identical third-generation butterfly keyboard design with an up to date materials as the higher-end 2019 MacGuide Pro fashions launched in May, we have confirmed straight.

2019 MacGuide Pro keyboard teardown through iFixit

Apple beforehand mentioned the brand new materials ought to considerably scale back points that some customers have skilled with its butterfly keyboards in current MacBooks, in keeping with The Loop. Apple apologized for the problems in March, however it continues to insist {that a} “small percentage” of consumers are affected.

Apple has not elaborated on the brand new materials, however the restore consultants at iFixit accomplished a teardown of the 2019 MacGuide Pro and found a “subtle change” made to the silicone membrane overlaying the keyboard switches.

Whereas the membrane within the 2018 MacGuide Pro is “semi-opaque” and “feels like silicone,” iFixit mentioned the quilt within the 2019 mannequin is “clearer and smooth to the touch.” Based on infrared evaluation, it seems the 2018 membrane was made with polyacetylene, whereas the 2019 covers makes use of polyamide, aka nylon.

Despite the brand new materials, Apple has added all 2019 MacGuide Air and 13-inch MacGuide Pro fashions, together with right this moment’s refreshed entry-level configuration, to its keyboard service program — hopefully out of an abundance of warning.

This means any 2019 MacGuide Air, 13-inch MacGuide Pro, or any Mac with a butterfly keyboard that experiences keyboard points such as sticky or inconsistently responding keys qualify free of charge repairs from Apple for as much as 4 years after the unique buy date worldwide, no matter guarantee standing.

With the 12-inch MacGuide having been discontinued right this moment, this implies each pocket book that Apple sells right this moment options this new materials for improved reliability. Whether the brand new materials truly cuts down on the problems or not stays to be seen, as the sticky or repeating keys typically take time to manifest.

Looking ahead, respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned Apple plans to undertake a brand new scissor keyboard in future MacBooks, together with a brand new MacGuide Air later in 2019 and a brand new MacGuide Pro in 2020. While the MacGuide Air was up to date right this moment, the one change was a True Tone show, so a processor refresh might nonetheless comply with this fall together with the brand new keyboard if Apple lastly plans to ditch the butterfly mechanism.

To provoke a keyboard restore, go to the Get Support web page on Apple’s web site to ebook a Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Provider appointment.