This specific designation refers to a pre-release version of Apple’s mobile operating system intended for testing purposes. It is distributed to developers and select users before the general public release. As a beta version, this iteration of the software is designed to identify and rectify bugs and stability issues before wider distribution. An example would be a developer installing this on a test device to assess application compatibility.
The availability of this pre-release version offers several advantages. It allows developers to prepare their applications for the upcoming operating system, ensuring compatibility and leveraging new features. For Apple, the beta program provides invaluable feedback, contributing to a more stable and refined final product. Beta programs have been a standard practice in software development for many years, allowing for broader testing scenarios than internal testing alone can provide.