CONSUMER CATCH-UP: Researchers predict how much tariffs will cost American families, and Apple vows to disclose iPhone performance information

BySimone Chavoor KGO logo
Friday, May 24, 2019
CONSUMER CATCH-UP: How much tariffs will cost Americans, Apple to disclose iPhone performance information
CONSUMER CATCH-UP: Researchers estimate just how much tariffs will cost American families, and Apple vows to disclose how updates will affect iPhone performance.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Researchers estimate just how much tariffs will cost American families

Rising tariffs will end up costing average American households $831 per year, according to new research.

New projections by researchers from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that the 25% tariffs on Chinese imports could cost $106 billion for American households. The financial impact to consumers would be about twice the $419 that earlier estimates predicted.

These figures do not include the impending retaliatory tariffs that China will place on American products, which go into effect June 1 and will "raise tariffs as high as 25% for roughly $60 billion in 5,000 American products."

For an average American family, $831 translates into about five weekly grocery store trips.

RELATED: Beef products recalled nationwide due to E. coli concerns

Apple vows to disclose how updates will affect iPhone performance

Apple has promised to inform consumers if future software updates will impact iPhone performance.

After facing criticism for failing to inform iPhone owners that software updates could slow down their phones, Apple stated that they would be "clearer and more upfront" with users, according to UK watchdog Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The group noted that the technology giant has already increased transparency with customers.

Apple has also given users better access to information about battery health and other performance indicators. Previous software updates were blamed for shortened battery life, frustrating iPhone owners.

Take a look at more stories and videos by Michael Finney and 7 On Your Side.

Related