The phrase identifies problems or imperfections encountered while using a pre-release version of Apple’s mobile operating system available to a wider audience. These can manifest as software bugs, performance slowdowns, unexpected crashes, or incompatibilities with certain applications or hardware. A typical example would be an app consistently failing to launch after the operating system update, or decreased battery life compared to the previous, stable version.
Identifying and addressing these imperfections is a critical stage in software development. Wider testing provides valuable feedback which helps developers refine and stabilize the software before the final public release. Historically, these programs have allowed Apple to gather extensive data, improving the overall user experience for the final product. Participation offers users a preview of new features while also contributing to the improvement of the overall stability and functionality of the operating system.