November 17, 2025, 10:10 AM EST. Claim from Korean blogger Yeux1122 that Apple is testing iPhone Fold batteries in the 5,400-5,800mAh range, potentially higher than the rumored 4,400mAh Z Fold 7 and possibly above Z Fold 8's target. The leak is unverified, so treat as early chatter. If real, Apple could pursue longer all-day battery life for a foldable with two big displays, aided by efficient silicon and software optimization that already yields strong endurance on the iPhone 15 Pro Max's ~4,422mAh pack. For comparison, Galaxy Z Fold line has hovered around 4,400mAh, with Z Fold 8 rumored to pass 5,000mAh. The OnePlus Open (~4,805mAh) and Pixel Fold (~4,821mAh) show rivals' baselines. Bigger cells help, given dual high-brightness LTPO panels and hinge realities, but real-world results depend on battery management.
November 17, 2025, 10:06 AM EST. Tesla is pushing suppliers to eliminate China-made components from vehicles built in U.S. factories, accelerating a non-China sourcing strategy amid tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The effort, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, aims for a full transition within one to two years as automaker diversifies its supply chain. The move follows years of growing dependence on Shanghai suppliers, and comes alongside plans to boost U.S. battery production and shift production to regions like Mexico and Southeast Asia. Automakers, including GM, are tightening China-reliant inputs due to rare-earth, semiconductor, and tariff pressures. Tesla has already replaced several parts, stopped selling US vehicles with China-made LFP batteries, and is building LFP batteries in Nevada with expected output in early 2026.
November 17, 2025, 10:00 AM EST. Rumors suggest Apple's inaugural foldable iPhone will trade slimness for longer battery life. A speculative 5,400-5,800 mAh battery could push the device's thickness higher, as Apple uses a compact design approach to free space for a larger cell and a bigger vapor chamber for heat management. The project reportedly envisions two iPhone Air-like halves when opened, with internal engineering allowing a larger battery while maintaining performance. Industry comparisons to Samsung foldables hint at a higher-capacity pack than standard models. While dimensions remain uncertain, the trade-off-bulkier chassis for extended runtime-signals a practical strategy for early foldable iPhones.
November 17, 2025, 9:58 AM EST. Aave Labs, the team behind the popular DeFi lending protocol, plans to launch an app in the Apple App Store and opened a waitlist for mainstream users. The product acts like a savings account with a minimum 5% interest on deposits, accepting funds via bank transfer or debit card, and uses stablecoins and the Aave protocol. With more than $30 billion in deposits, Aave's model typically offers higher yields than traditional banks but carries hack-risk and lack of government backing. CEO Stani Kulechov argues the app is secure thanks to market economics and audited code. The move signals growing convergence of traditional finance and crypto, as players from BlackRock to JPMorgan explore DeFi-enabled products. Aave also recently acquired Stable Finance.
November 17, 2025, 9:56 AM EST. Lightcurve, the telecom company formerly Rainier Connect, has opened a new downtown Tacoma headquarters at 1145 Broadway and a retail shop next door at 1135 Broadway. The move, announced after its 2023 rebrand, aims to center customer support and service in the Tacoma Centre, with hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The company offers high-speed internet, streaming TV, and phone services, and notes plans to increase fiber-to-the-home coverage across its regional service area. Leadership cites a more collaborative, in-office environment for employees, as part of the transition from Rainier Connect to Lightcurve under new CEO Anand Vadapalli, following Palisade's acquisition of its parent company. Lightcurve's footprint spans multiple cities beyond Tacoma, including University Place, Lakewood, Puyallup, Ellensburg and Chehalis.