14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has seeded developers with a fresh test build of the unreleased OS X 10.7.4 asking them to focus on graphics, iCal, Mail, Time Machine and printing for the client version. A Server build is also available for download from the Mac Dev Center.
On Tuesday, Apple rolled out updated builds for developers testing both OS X Lion and OS X Mountain Lion, the next major version of Apple’s desktop operating system. Those interested in the latter can learn more here.
OS X Lion 10.7.4 Build 11E52 contains a number of clues that may suggest a release in the near future. The focus area is almost unchanged across five test builds, and there are no known issues whatsoever with the software.
The seeding timeframe between betas has been shortened, and the incremental numbering of the builds has also been narrowed down. All these are telltale signs that Apple is preparing to roll out the update.
As noted above, a Server beta has been handed to developers alongside the Client build of OS X 10.7.4. Lion Server testers are asked to use their coding skills to hone Calendar and Contacts Server, Profile Manager, ServerAdmin DNS, WebDAV Sharing, the Web Server and Server App applications.
Apple has been testing internal builds of OS X Lion for months now, and it is believed 10.7.4 will be the last maintenance and security update for Lion users.
OS X 10.8 aka Mountain Lion, the next major version of Apple’s Mac operating system, is also undergoing heavy testing. Cupertino is preparing to unveil an almost finalized version at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference this June. The final release is expected in late summer, according to Apple’s estimates.