Apache Flink 2.1.0 introduces significant upgrades that unify real-time data processing and AI capabilities, featuring 116 contributors, 16 Flink Improvement Proposals, and over 220 resolved issues. Key enhancements include AI Model DDL for flexible AI model management, Process Table Functions for improved event-driven applications, and optimized streaming joins that enhance performance and resource efficiency. These advancements empower enterprises to transition from real-time analytics to intelligent decision-making in modern data applications.