Tesla's Global Sales Plummet Amid Growing Competition and Brand Challenges
Tesla faces severe sales declines across major markets in early 2025, with registrations dropping over 60% in key European countries and double-digit declines in China and California. Growing competition, reduced subsidies, and CEO Elon Musk's political activities are cited as key factors impacting the EV leader's market position.
X Doubles Premium+ Subscription Cost Following Grok 3 AI Launch
X has dramatically increased its Premium+ subscription to $50 monthly following the release of xAI's Grok 3 AI model. The price hike coincides with expanded AI features for Premium+ users, though some advanced functions will require an additional SuperGrok subscription.
Apple Returns to X Platform Advertising After Year-Long Hiatus
Apple has resumed advertising on X, marking a significant shift after suspending ads in 2023. The move comes as X faces declining ad revenue but coincides with Apple's planned 2025 product launches and evolving social media advertising dynamics.
Elon Musk Launches $97.4B Hostile Takeover Bid for OpenAI
Elon Musk and a coalition of investors have made a dramatic $97.4 billion bid to take control of OpenAI, sparking tension with CEO Sam Altman. The takeover attempt highlights growing conflicts over OpenAI's direction and mission, with Musk advocating for a return to open-source development.
X Premium Plus Subscription Sees Major Price Hike to $22 Monthly
X (formerly Twitter) announces a significant 40% price increase for Premium Plus subscriptions, raising monthly rates to $22 in the US. The change brings enhanced features including ad-free browsing and expanded creator revenue sharing, while existing subscribers retain current pricing until January 2025.
X Premium+ Subscription Prices Soar by 37.5% Globally, with Dramatic Regional Variations
X is implementing substantial price hikes for its Premium+ subscription service, with US monthly rates jumping from $16 to $22. The changes, effective December 21, show stark regional variations with some markets like Nigeria seeing increases of over 450%.
Musk and SpaceX Under Federal Investigation for Security Protocol Violations
Multiple federal agencies are investigating Elon Musk and SpaceX over alleged failures to comply with national security reporting requirements. The probes focus on Musk's unreported foreign meetings and activities while holding top-secret clearance, amid growing concerns from defense officials and allied nations.
Delaware Court Denies Musk's Appeal to Reinstate $56 Billion Tesla Pay Package
Delaware judge Kathaleen McCormick upheld her decision to void Elon Musk's record-breaking $56 billion Tesla compensation package, rejecting attempts to ratify it through shareholder votes. The ruling represents a significant setback for Musk, who had previously moved Tesla's incorporation from Delaware to Texas in protest.
Elon Musk Seeks Court Injunction to Block OpenAI's For-Profit Transformation
Tech billionaire Elon Musk files legal challenge to prevent OpenAI from becoming a for-profit entity and lifting investor restrictions. The lawsuit highlights tensions between open AI research and commercial interests, with potential industry-wide implications.
X Plans to Label Parody Accounts in Latest Transparency Push
X is developing new labels for parody and fan commentary accounts to help users distinguish between authentic and satirical profiles. While the feature aims to reduce confusion, enforcement challenges loom as the platform struggles with consistent adoption of similar policies.