Previously that was because the AI enhanced 18.1 and conventual 18.0 betas cycles were going their separate route until the two merged later in 18.1 beta cycle. Now that 18.2 is applied to both AI capable and non-AI devices, will that still exist going into 18.3 and onward?
I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t continue to go with the schedule they have the last two releases. I think the reason they’ve chosen to go with this schedule of releasing the first beta of the next version while releasing the RC beta of the current version is because they want to push beta testing and development of Apple Intelligence as quickly as possible.
Is there something special/unique to about 18.3 that warrants that?
I don’t know what they’ll include in iOS 18.3 (and nor does anyone else). But even if they’re not adding a bunch of brand new Apple Intelligence features (I’m guessing they’ll at least add several improvements to the features they’ve added), I think Apple wants more betas this year, and thus is releasing new betas earlier, that way Apple Intelligence features can be as stable as possible when released, even though they’re being released on a somewhat “rushed” schedule. As I said before, since Apple has done this with every beta of iOS 18 so far, I have no reason to believe they’ll deviate from that schedule. I don’t think it makes sense for Apple to not release the 18.3 beta alongside the 18.2 RC, because they’ve released every other iOS 18 beta that way so far. Apple’s changed things up this year, traditionally betas wouldn’t drop on Mondays, but this year they are. I don’t think prior years are a reliable indicator of beta releases this go around (except maybe for no releases on holidays) because everything’s been so different.
A lot of campus Apple employees had the whole week off, and still some were thinking of an another day or two. Must be nice.
Last year they hardly ever if ever dropped betas on Mondays as far as I recall. I think iOS 18 is the first time Apple has consistently been releasing beta versions on Mondays. 👍🏻
And iOS 18.3 should drop soon after. 😁
Current policy that likely changes at the start of next year like other tech companies bailing on WFH.
Likely the shift to Monday releases with recent beta cycles has to do with Monday being a day you know you have staff, and the next day for PB seeding normally. However RC is always same day for Dev/PB seeding.
That’s really bad each year cuz like it’s a first beta, so not the most stable, and then like 3-4 weeks wait for second beta after the new years…
Merry Christmas to you as well!!! 👍🏻🙏🏻🎄 That’s a cute stop-motion animation! 👍🏻
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