The phrase designates a pre-release version of Apple’s mobile operating system intended for testing and development. It follows the iterative naming convention used for iOS updates, indicating a version subsequent to iOS 18 and prior to the final release of iOS 18.2. These builds are typically distributed to developers and public beta testers to identify and resolve bugs and compatibility issues before a public launch.
The availability of these pre-release versions allows developers to adapt their applications to the newest features and APIs, ensuring a smoother transition for users upon the general release. This testing phase is important for identifying potential problems related to security and performance, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the user experience. Past experiences with beta programs have demonstrated their role in mitigating risks associated with widespread deployment of new operating system features.