14 DAY TRIAL // Developers enrolled with Apple’s annual seeding programs can now download and test a new Mountain Lion beta which requires particular attention in core areas of the operating system, including wireless connections, graphics, and the Safari web browser.
Released via the newly implemented OS X Software Update Seed Configuration Utility, OS X 10.8.3 build 12D50 is only the last of a string of Mountain Lion betas bearing an almost identical set of release notes and no known issues.
Developers are told to focus their testing skills on AirPlay, AirPort, Game Center, Graphics Drivers, and the Safari web browser.
Where there are no known issues development is unfolding according to plan. But that’s not to say developers haven’t had any last minute bugs submitted before a new build was prepped for seeding.
“OS X Mountain Lion Update 10.8.3 is an update to OS X Mountain Lion 10.8,” Apple tells developers, according to a person familiar with the software.
Testers who still haven’t installed the “OS X Software Update Seed Configuration Utility” are told to log into their Apple Developer account and do so.
OS X seeds are now exclusively handed via Software Update. Previously, developers had to visit Apple’s website and grab the disk images manually.
Apple also says, “Please be aware that you will not be able to revert back to your previous system after updating. Please install this update on a system you are prepared to erase if necessary.”
After running the OS X Software Update Seed Configuration Utility, the Mac App Store will open automatically and will display the Updates panel. There, OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3 build 12D50 will be available for download.
Testers who encounter any problems are urged to submit a bug report using the online Bug Reporter at bugreporter.apple.com.