Apple's beta testing phase for its revolutionary update to its operating system, iOS, has been well under way since mid-June. Just one week after releasing its fourth iOS 7 beta, the company has rolled out a fifth version to developers on Tuesday.
iOS 7 beta 5 is available to all registered developers in order for them to test it out and report any bugs, in exchange, it gives them a leg up to understand the system so they can optimize applications and other programs for the mobile operating system. The timing of another beta test, so soon after the fourth seems a little odd. However, Apple only says to expect the usual handful of "bug fixed and improvements," from the latest download, according to CNET.
There is currently no firm release date for iOS 7, which will be hitting most of Apple's mobile devices some time in the fall. iOS 6 was released after just five rounds of beta testing. However, iOS 5 wasn't put in consumer's palms until after eight separate beta releases. It is likely the release will come with the installment of the iPhone 5s.
According to TechCrunch there aren't many real updates to iOS 7 beta 5. However, there are a few that include a new lock screen and minor improvements to the flow of the device. Originally there were arrows and other indicators telling users which way to swipe to unlock the phone or access some drop-down menus. When that proved to be too confusing, Apple did away with a lot of those indicators. The most significant thing about this is that the company is clearly listening and taking direct feedback.
It won't be surprising to see more weekly beta releases as the new operating system gets ready to launch to all users. As the company takes more and more feedback into direct consideration, and with the minimum average number of beta tests before launch being met, the release could happen at any time.
