The phrase identifies the point at which a pre-release version of Apple’s operating system for its mobile devices, designated version 26, becomes accessible for testing to a wider audience beyond the company’s internal developers. This stage signifies a move towards broader feedback gathering before the final, stable release. Access to this pre-release software allows users to experience and evaluate new features and functionalities.
The availability of such a pre-release program is important for identifying and resolving potential issues that might not be apparent during internal testing. The larger user base involved in the public testing provides a more diverse range of hardware configurations and usage patterns, leading to a more robust and stable final product. Historically, these programs have played a critical role in refining the user experience and ensuring compatibility across Apple’s device ecosystem.