Mac OS X 10.6.3 Development Almost Over - Report

Only two days after handing Mac OS X 10.6.3 Build 10D571 to its testers, Apple reportedly seeded developers with yet another pre-release version of the software. Labeled Build 10D572, the latest Snow Leopard beta requires testing efforts to be focused on Mail, images, security certificates and photos, in addition to graphics drivers and QuickTime, which remain unattended since Build 10D571 introduced them as priorities to developers.

Reported by AppleInsider, generally a reliable source on these types of matters, the seeding of Mac OS X 10.6.3 Build 10D572 is signaling an imminent public release. The site’s argument is that, “Apple typically seeds external betas of Mac OS X updates at such a rapid frequency only when the software is entering a final candidate stage, or if a serious and potentially-hazardous glitch was discovered with the preceding build.”

It then cites people familiar with Thursday's build as saying that Apple has asked them to focus on “Mail, images, security certificates and photos, in addition to graphics drivers and QuickTime, both of which have remained a priority throughout the better part of the beta program.”

According to the same people, issues with iCal have been resolved, with the latest build listing no focus on this area of Mac OS X 10.6. Additionally, an issue with recurring events in iCal's interaction with Exchange server also seems to have been addressed.

AppleInsider actually goes to note that, “When it's released shortly, Mac OS X 10.6.3 will bundle an update to QuickTime X that improves security and compatibility while also enhancing overall reliability of the media software,” which indicates that developers have tipped off the site on the estimated launch date. Other focus areas for build 10D572 include “issues with mail messages displaying the incorrect background color and problems copying files to a shared Windows volume,” the same people allegedly told the site.

Mac OS X 10.6.3 is the third incremental update to Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system. When it's released, the update will be distributed as a standalone installer, as well as a combo update.