The phrase refers to the period when Apple releases a pre-release version of its iOS 26 operating system to a select group of users outside of the company for testing. This phase allows individuals to experience and provide feedback on new features and functionalities before the official public launch. For instance, users might be able to download and install this pre-release software on their iPhones to experiment with the latest enhancements.
Access to a pre-release software offers several advantages. It enables early adopters to explore upcoming capabilities and improvements. More significantly, broad distribution facilitates identification and correction of software defects or vulnerabilities before the general public experiences them, which greatly enhances the stability and security of the final product. Historically, these programs have been vital in ensuring the quality and user experience of major operating system releases.