A pre-release version of an application developed for Apple’s operating system is distributed to a limited audience for testing purposes. This process allows developers to gather feedback and identify potential issues before the official launch of the software on the App Store. As an example, a game developer might release a preliminary build of their new title to a group of players to assess gameplay balance and detect bugs.
This preliminary testing phase is crucial for ensuring the stability, performance, and user-friendliness of an application. It provides developers with valuable insights into real-world usage patterns and helps them refine the software based on user experiences. Historically, this practice has significantly improved the quality of applications available to the general public, reducing negative reviews and enhancing user satisfaction upon release.