14 DAY TRIAL // A Webkit bug report submitted through Apple’s Radar system makes an unmistakable reference to the company’s next-generation OS X, with the number indicating that the software is almost final.
Analyzing the build number is simple: 13A451, where “13” refers to OS X 10.9 (last year it was 12, referencing OS X 10.8); “A” indicates that it’s the initial version (10.9.0); and the last three digits – “451” – refer to the number of betas tested by Apple.
That last number is substantially higher than last year’s 12A269 for OS X Mountain Lion.
The high number of betas that OS X 10.9 has undergone implies that some core areas of the OS have been overhauled.
However, one developer who spoke with AppleInsider reportedly said “the expectation among the development community is that OS X 10.9 will not be a major overhaul of the operating system.”
Still, developers should receive at least a near-final build of the OS next week.
Apple’s development logs are usually the first clues that point to a major new release. OS X 10.9 has been spotted in server logs since last year, and that includes our own servers.
WWDC 2013, the upcoming edition of Apple’s annual developer-centric event, is scheduled to kick off with a keynote address by Tim Cook & Co. on Monday, June 10.
The ceremonious developer gathering is hosted at San Francisco’s Moscone West and will commence at 10AM, local time.
Apple is expected to unveil not only OS X 10.9, but also iOS 7 and a range of new Macs at the show. Notably, a completely revamped Mac Pro is said to be unveiled.
During a conference call, CEO Tim Cook told investors to be patient until fall, when this year’s more exciting announcements will take place. That most likely includes the iPhone and the iPad.