Apple shares gained 2.88% to $318.96 on Wednesday, outperforming a softer Technology sector as investors balanced the company’s regulatory changes in Europe, shifting enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and rising hardware costs. Apple agreed to replace its European Core Technology Fee with a 5% commission on digital transactions made outside the App Store starting Oct. 1, reduce its standard European in-app purchase commission to 26% and permit alternative payment options. The stock has fallen roughly 10% since its July 28 record as renewed confidence in AI infrastructure spending redirected investors toward companies with greater exposure to that theme. Deepwater Asset Management Managing Partner Gene Munster said Apple’s Siri could become the foundation of a personalized AI strategy, while analysts remain divided over memory costs and the potential appeal of a costly foldable iPhone. Apple trades at about 35.6 times earnings, has a Buy consensus rating and an average price forecast of $329.53.