A report today claims Apple will expand its pre-release testing of upcoming versions of iOS to include select members of its retail store employee ranks.
The program will begin in the near-future with an upcoming iOS release, perhaps version 8.2, which is slated to be released alongside the Apple Watch…
9to5Mac’s report, referencing “multiple sources,” notes this will be the first time iOS version testing has been expanded beyond the ranks of developers and Cupertino HQ employees. Apple has in the past provided pre-release copies of OS X to employees to aid them in detecting bugs before the operating system’s public debut.
Apple is likely looking to expand the ranks of its testing pool in order to find users who are willing to test out more than just new features, but also those who will test their favorite apps with the new OS, in order to provide critical feedback.
Apple has recently been the target of criticism saying their recent operating releases are not as polished as they had been in the past. The 2014 launch of iOS 8 was plagued by bugs that delayed the release of HealthKit-related apps, and a fix the company released to address that issue caused Cellular and Touch ID issues with the company’s new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus handsets.
