The cessation of an iOS beta program build occurs when the pre-release software reaches its designated expiration date. After this date, the operating system will typically prompt the user to update, and eventually, the device may become unusable until a newer, valid iOS version is installed. A common scenario involves developers or public beta testers running an iOS beta for testing purposes; once that beta period concludes, the installed version deactivates.
The temporal limit imposed on these pre-release versions ensures users are operating on stable and secure software. This mechanism is integral to the beta testing lifecycle, preventing indefinite use of potentially unstable or incomplete code. Historically, this practice helps Apple gather feedback on new features and identify bugs before the public release, thus refining the user experience of subsequent iOS iterations.