The cutting-edge pre-release iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system allows developers and select users to test upcoming features and changes before their public release. An example would be iOS 17 beta 3, which preceded the final release of iOS 17.
Access to these pre-release versions enables proactive identification of potential bugs and compatibility issues, streamlining development processes and ensuring a smoother user experience upon official launch. This also allows for early integration with new APIs and technologies, which can give developers a competitive advantage. Historical context reveals a continuous cycle of iterative improvement driven by user feedback during these testing phases.