Apple stokes the flames of iPhone conspiracists, Didi raises a ton of new money, and Daimler is growing its ride-hailing empire. All that and more in The Daily Crunch for December 21, 2017.

1. Apple explains performance stats for older phones

Apple has had to address customer concerns after multiple reports identified processors running at lower speeds than they had demonstrated initially. Turns out, it explained this last year, albeit in a different context.

A new software feature introduced for iPhone 6, 6S and SE slows the processor clock speed as the battery ages to prevent unexpected shut downs, per the company. Reaction is mixed as to what this means, but it definitely seems to feel like validation for anyone who felt like their phones were slowing down as they got older.

2. Didi Chuxing raises $4 billion

Chain's Uber, Didi Chuxing, has raised $4 billion, with the intent of putting it into AI, global expansion and EV projects. It's a big addition to its existing funding, raising the total to $13 billion, with a valuation of $56 billion following the round.

3. Daimler buys a French ride-hailing startup

Meanwhile, in other ride-hailing news, Daimler has acquired a majority stake in Chauffeur Privé, a French competitor to Uber. It's the latest in Daimler's growing collection of European ride-hailing providers.

4. Amazon filed for 'AmazonTube' trademark

Amazon has filed an interesting trademark – 'AmazonTube," which is pretty clearly a take on YouTube. It seems highly unlikely that Amazon would actually name any YouTube competitor this, but their ongoing fight with Google over YouTube on its devices does suggest they could build a homegrown alternative.

5. Apple changes its template-created app guidelines

Apple has modified a guideline it put in place earlier this year that blocked apps using a commercial template or app-making service. It's now clarified that this only applies if the service also submits and manages the app in the App Store – so long as the person buying the app submits it themselves, it's fine.

6. Sequoia looking to raise $5 billion fund

Sequoia is looking to raise a huge new fund, with a total investment pool of around $5 billion. That's up more than double from the last growth fund that Sequoia raised.

7. Do androids dream of enhanced images?

Using a 'hallucinating' artificial intelligence to improve grainy or fuzzy images? Sounds like a good time, if a little on the creepy side.

Also, check out the TechCrunch Gift Guide for 2017. If you still need this, you might be beyond hope.