GM = Gold Master, it's basically the last non-production release of the OS (the production release is the same codebase, though sometimes there's a slight rev number change or tweak).
GM = Gold Master, it's basically the last non-production release of the OS (the production release is the same codebase, though sometimes there's a slight rev number change or tweak).
Similar to 'RC' or Release Candidates that is sometimes termed by other software developers.
Chances are exactly that, the GM or near GM will be released to developers to polish and ensure that their Apps are ready, and then will be staggered a few days before the new iPhone comes out, so they aren't hammered anymore than they need to be before launch date. Apples servers are really strained during iOS/iPhone launches, at least since they started.
GM is a carry over term from days of old when you would create the FINAL version for release and send it off to the publisher to be well produced and distributed. This happen to be usually gold colored. When a game back in the day went GM it was done. You were just waiting for copies to be printed. The digital version of set in stone. There was no Internet as you know it. If they messed up GM it ment expensive recalls.
RC might be the version they release if no issues are found. You are thinking RTM or release to manufacture.