Laptops

Apple finally acknowledges MacBook’s butterfly keyboard problem

Affecting a ‘small number of users’

Published

March 28, 2019

Daniel Morial

2018 MacBook Air | GadgetMatch

Do you have issues with your new MacBook keyboard? Aside from missing the tactile feel when typing, the butterfly keyboard on all MacBooks are prone to malfunction when tiny debris (like crumbs or dust) gets inside your laptop. That’s why Apple added silicone membranes to its third-generation MacBook keyboards to prevent this. Unfortunately, it’s not working so great.

It took a while for Apple to admit to the issue of their redesigned keyboards. The problem has been around for quite some time on forums, but it seems like Apple is not considering the problem to be noteworthy. What did it take for Apple to respond to the matter? A Wall Street Journal piece.

We’ll share a few details about it here but if you have a WSJ subscription, you may read the piece directly from the source.

An Apple spokesman said the company was aware of the butterfly keyboard issue, but claimed that it affected only a “small number of users” and they were “sorry” for the problems. The spokesman also maintained that the “vast majority” of MacBook Air and Pro users were just fine. If there’s any problem, Apple’s support and warranty should be able to cover it.

It’s still unclear how many people are affected, but customers aren’t happy about it. DIY websites like iFixit believe that the butterfly keyboard system is inherently fragile and even the slightest amount of debris can jam it. Since the mechanism is extremely thin (yet stable), it’s also possible that they are prone to breaking down.

For now, there’s no special repair program addressing the issue. Any system with a third-gen keyboard is still covered under the free warranty, but there’s no assurance if Apple will cover it after that.

Laptops

Spotlight: ASUS Zenbook A16

The first Windows laptop that feels different

Published

May 7, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

The ASUS Zenbook A16 is one of the most interesting Snapdragon-powered Windows laptops right now, but how does it actually perform?

After two weeks of traveling to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Manila, Los Angeles and back to New York, here’s THE Michael Josh covering the Zenbook A16’s battery life, performance, OLED display, and real-world use.

This is the first Windows laptop that feels different.

Check further:

> Zenbook A16

> Zenbook A14

Laptops

MacBook Neo already “supply constrained” amid unexpected demand

New purchases are reportedly getting delayed.

Published

May 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a crazy month for Apple fans on a budget. The debuts of the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo have brought the classic Apple experience to a wider market. Though the former is a bright spot on its own, the new MacBook Neo is currently breaking the company’s expectations as new orders are already “supply constrained.”

Last week, Tim Cook held an earnings call (via Six Colors) which includes the latest additions to Apple’s lineup. For the affordable iPhone, Cook gave a special shoutout as “the newest addition to what is already the strongest iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.” However, he was much more appreciative for the MacBook Neo’s role in the company’s notebook lineup.

Responding to a query about the new notebook, Cook says that the company “undercalled the level of enthusiasm” generated by the MacBook Neo. He also cited “tremendous enthusiasm” for the device in his main presentation.

Though he didn’t have the numbers to bolster his claims, he did give anecdotal examples of public schools switching over to Apple from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.

Finally, he says that the MacBook Neo is currently “supply constrained,” meaning new purchases will likely come with a delay before delivery.

Outside of the corporate perspective, there has been a lot of excitement for the notebook. Even if it uses the A18 Pro chip, the MacBook Neo promises a powerful notebook experience as is typical of Apple’s more traditional MacBooks. And to top it all off, it starts at only US$ 599, creating one of the most tempting offers for users who want to dip their toes into the Apple ecosystem.

Laptops

MacBook Neo officially arrives at Power Mac Center

Nationwide limited-time offers available

Published

April 24, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

The all-new MacBook Neo has officially arrived in the Philippines through Power Mac Center. Simultaneous launch events were held at Greenbelt 3 and SM Megamall.

Customers who lined up for the launch received an event-exclusive bundle which includes an AirPods Pro 2 and AirTag 4-pack, as well as over PhP 12,000 worth of freebies for those with qualified pre-orders.

In addition, those in Greenbelt and SM Megamall who lined up until the evening got a chance to win up to PhP 600,000 worth of prizes (PhP 300,000 per location).

And great news even for those unable to attend: PMC is extending its opening promotions over the coming days.

Now available in Power Mac Center stores nationwide, the MacBook Neo comes with these exclusive offers:

Up to 50% off on a wide selection of accessories until April 30 for sstraight payments
Redeem up to Php 5,000 off (2,500 points) through the 1 Infinite program, no minimum spend, until April 26
UpTrade: Score up to PhP 4,000 additional trade-in value with a MacBook Air (M2 or earlier) until May 10
Complimentary 90-day software fix and free Basecamp training for purchases until April 30

For flexible financing, the MacBook Neo is also available through 0% interest installment plans of up to 36 months. This is through major banks and other financial institutions.