Although most of the attention from Apple's major press event on Tuesday focused on the unveiling of the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C, perhaps the biggest news from the event was the announcement of the iOS 7 release date of Sept. 18.
Apple has had iOS 7 in beta tests ever since it unveiled the redesign at its World Wide Developer's Conference in June. On Sept. 18, all iPhone users of an iPhone 4 or above, iPad 2 or above and fifth generation iPod Touches will all be able to download and use the new operating system, along with all of its new features.
However, if you're a registered developer, or someone who has been a part of the numerous beta testing phases, Apple made the final beta run or "golden master" update available on Tuesday.
This essentially gives developers a little over a week to test their apps on the new platform before it becomes available to the masses. People familiar with the software said it is identified as "Build 11A465," according to AppleInsider.
In an e-mail sent form Apple to all developers on Tuesday, the company told developers to begin preparing as the latest iOS 7 beta would likely be the version that will ship to customers, according to VentureBeat.
"iOS 7 will soon be in the hands of hundreds of millions of customers. Reimagine your app's interface with the clarity, translucency and depth of iOS 7. Integrate APIs for AirDrop, multitasking, games, and camera, as well as new APIs that take advantage of the powerful new capabilities of iPhone 5s," the e-mail said. "To prepare your apps for the App Store, download the GM seed of iOS 7 and Xcode 5, test, and optimize for iOS 7. Submit your apps today."
iOS 7 will be available as a software download on Sept 18, just two days prior to the release of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on Sept. 20. Both devices will come with iOS 7 already installed.
