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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) just put two of its own services under Europe’s microscope, telling regulators that Apple Ads and Apple Maps now meet the thresholds set by the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

That disclosure kicks off a formal review by the European Commission, which now has 45 working days to decide whether to label either service a gatekeeper. If that happens, Apple would get 6 months to comply with rules designed to make markets more open and easier for users to switch services.

Apple is already pouring cold water on the idea that it wields real market power here. The company told Reuters its ad business is small in Europe compared with Google, Meta, and Microsoft. And when it comes to maps, Apple says its usage trails far behind services like Google Maps and Waze.

The gatekeeper label brings heavier oversight and tighter rules. Bottom line is that Apple says it qualifies on paper, not in practice, and now Brussels decides what comes next.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) climbed about 8% at Thursday’s open, despite news that Taiwanese authorities searched the home of its executive Wei-Jen Lo. Officials are investigating whether Lo, formerly of Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM), may have taken sensitive technology related to advanced semiconductor processes.

During the raid, prosecutors seized computers and other materials. A court order also froze some of Lo’s assets, including real estate, as part of the inquiry. Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM) has launched legal action, claiming Lo violated non-compete agreements and trade secrets regulations before leaving the company.

Lo joined Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) as vice president of research and development after retiring from Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM) in July, where he held a senior role in corporate strategy and advanced node technology development.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan rejected the allegations, telling Bloomberg they are speculation and emphasizing the company’s commitment to intellectual property rights.

The investigation comes as Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) navigates new risks tied to a recent $11.1 billion U.S. government stake, highlighting the company’s ongoing challenges in global semiconductor expansion.

On the positive side, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple (AAPL) is closer to choosing Intel as a foundry partner, boosting optimism around Intel’s 18A process and future chip orders.

The report suggested Apple has tested Intel’s design tools and is waiting for the next software release, raising investor expectations that Intel could secure a major foundry contract and strengthen its position in semiconductor manufacturing.