Apple Releases iOS 10 Beta 7 As iPhone 7 Launch Date Looms

Earlier today, Apple officially released the seventh beta of iOS 10 for developers and beta testers. The timing may seem to be rushed since the sixth beta started rolling out a couple of days ago, but this is already expected since the launch date of the iPhone 7 is drawing near.

Since announcing iOS 10 at the 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference more than two months ago, the Cupertino-headquartered tech company has been releasing beta versions of the upcoming mobile OS for testing.

While the speedy release of the iOS 10 beta 7 may appear to suggest that Apple is rushing iOS 10 for its upcoming iPhones, Apple Insider claims that this is just an indication that the company may have found a “show-stopping bug” in the the sixth beta, so it quickly fixed the issue and released a newer beta.

The four-day gap between iOS 10 beta 6 and iOS 10 beta 7 is not so typical of Apple because the company usually releases a new beta update weeks after the previous one is launhced. Plus, new beta versions are usually released on a Monday or Tuesday and not on a Friday.

Meanwhile, it isn’t clear yet what the iOS 10 beta 7 includes, but MacRumors stated that the update may come with critical bug fixes.

For developers and beta testers who are enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program, they may now download iOS 10 beta 7 directly via Apple’s Developer Center. The beta software is also available as an over-the-air download.

Based on previews betas, the iOS 10 is going to come with big improvements and new features. It is said to put 3D Touch support on the lock screen and add a new widgets screen to the UI. The Messages app has been improved with the addition of background animations, Digital Touch, predictive emoji, Tapback replies and many more.

Apple's iOS 10 is scheduled to launch this fall, specially on the same day that the next-generation iPhone is introduced to the market. Based on earlier leaks, the iPhone 7 is set to debut on Sept. 7.