The pre-final version of Apple’s operating system for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches underwent rigorous testing before its general public distribution. This stage, occurring late in the development cycle, allows developers and public beta testers to identify and report any remaining bugs or performance issues.
Its significance lies in ensuring a stable and user-friendly experience for the end user upon wide release. This process provides a crucial opportunity to address critical flaws before they impact millions of devices. Prior iterations often included enhancements to privacy features, performance optimizations, and support for new hardware or services. The successful completion of this stage signified the imminent arrival of a more polished software iteration.