📋 Quick Takeaways

• IBM closes in on $11 billion acquisition of data streaming leader Confluent to bolster hybrid cloud capabilities
• Apple faces critical “executive exodus” in design and AI divisions, raising concerns about its 2026 strategy
• New UK-based AI model reportedly outperforms ChatGPT in early benchmark tests
• Tesla’s Optimus robot suffers viral malfunction in latest demonstration, sparking timeline debates
• SpaceX wins major regulatory approval to build Starship launch complex at Cape Canaveral
• SpaceX successfully deploys 28 Starlink satellites, continuing global coverage expansion

💼 Corporate AI & M&A

IBM Nears $11 Billion Confluent Acquisition to Boost Hybrid Cloud

Major Consolidation: IBM is in advanced negotiations to acquire data streaming platform Confluent for approximately $11 billion, with a potential announcement expected as early as Monday.