A Warning About Apple Public Beta Tests
You’re tempted, aren’t you?
You’ve seen those screenshots of beautifully-customised iOS 16 lock screens, and you’re desperate to see what Stage Manager is really like on your shiny new iPad Pro, aren’t you?
I get it, completely. Apple’s decision to allow normal folk to try out forthcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS was both admirable… and a bit silly.
Let me explain.
Why it’s so dangerous
Beta test software can be very rough indeed. Granted, Apple has got a lot better at knocking bugs out of the park far earlier on — often before even the developer beta ships — but that still doesn’t mean you get to try out a polished end product.
That polished end product only arrives when the ‘golden master’, as it’s known, is ready — and that’s normally very close to the launch date of the public-ready version.
Think how much you rely on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. They’re essential tools, aren’t they? So essential, in fact, that…
