Curated 2025-4-11 | Apple stockpiled iPhones, Teens blocked by Meta, New Cybertruck, Stripe and Luckin Coffee

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News

Meta blocks livestreaming by teenagers on Instagram

Under-16s will be barred from using the app’s Live feature unless they have parental permission.

How Apple stockpiled iPhones to avoid tariffs and keep prices low for a while

In order to protect its customers from high import fees, Apple shipped an impressive amount of products, including iPhone, to the US from over seas, with very little notice. Here’s how it did it.

Tesla unveils new cheaper, but nerfed ‘Long Range’ Cybertruck

Tesla has unveiled a new version of its previously announced RWD Cybertruck. It will have a longer range but be nerfed with a lesser suspension and fewer features.

Former Substack creators say they’re earning more on new platforms that offer larger shares of subscription revenue

Many writers who left Substack in early 2024 are now earning more on platforms like Ghost and Beehiiv. These platforms charge flat monthly fees instead of taking a 10% cut, letting creators keep more of their subscription income. Some, like Ryan Broderick, saw revenue grow by up to 25%, while others, like Marisa Kabas, tripled their subscriber counts.

Stripe signs deal with China’s leading coffee chain

Stripe, a financial infrastructure platform for businesses, announced a strategic partnership with Luckin Coffee, China’s leading coffee chain, to support its international expansion plans.

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Reads

Inside the EV startup secretly backed by Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos is backing Slate Auto, a stealthy EV startup that could start production as soon as next year.

Social Media Platform Engagement Research: LinkedIn Leads in Engagement at 6.50% — Here’s How Other Platforms Stack Up

Buffer’s latest analysis of millions of posts across eight major social platforms reveals surprising engagement trends in 2025. LinkedIn leads with an impressive 6.5% engagement rate, driven by active discussions and professional interactions. Pinterest is quietly gaining traction, while Instagram’s engagement has dipped, though it remains a key player due to its vast reach.

How a $2,000 ‘Made in the USA’ Phone Is Manufactured

The Liberty Phone by Purism is a rare, nearly fully U.S.-made smartphone, priced at $2,000. Built in-house using Surface Mount Technology, it emphasizes security with features like hardware kill switches and the privacy-focused PureOS. Despite its high cost and modest specs, it showcases the challenges of domestic tech manufacturing.

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