The term identifies a pre-release version of Apple’s mobile operating system designed for testing. This allows developers and select users to experience and provide feedback on upcoming features and changes before a wider public release. As an example, this allows application developers to ensure compatibility with their apps.
Its significance lies in its function as a crucial stage in software development. It allows Apple to gather valuable user data, identify bugs, and refine the operating system before it is made available to the general public, contributing to a more stable and improved user experience. Historically, these pre-release builds have significantly impacted the final product’s quality and feature set through user input.
