"Apply changes with zero downtime" means making updates or modifications to a system or application without causing any interruptions or downtime for users or customers. In other words, the system remains available and operational throughout the entire update process, with no disruption of service or loss of data. This is often achieved by implementing a rolling update strategy, where updates are applied incrementally to different parts of the system or application, while other parts continue to function normally. This ensures that the overall system remains available and responsive even during the update process.