14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has issued a new build of Mac OS X 10.6.8 to developers who can now grab the bits from Apple’s servers via the company’s Developer channel.
Listed as build 10K524 and weighing in at 1GB (for both the Combo and Delta updates), Apple’s eighth incremental update to Snow Leopard currently has no known issues.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant is asking developers to focus their coding skills on areas like AirPort, Graphics Drivers, the Mac App Store, Networking, QuickTime, and VPN.
This is the second 10.6.8 seed reported by developers, the first one (build 10K521) arriving last week with no specific documentation (or at least none that developers were willing to report on).
Believed to be the last Snow Leopard maintenance update before Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is released to the public, Mac OS X 10.6.8 will most likely pack bug fixes and security patches only.
However, there is an offset chance that 10.6.8 will also deliver a new feature or two, should Apple decide to offer support for some features that currently only exist in Lion.
Unlike the forthcoming 10.7 upgrade from Snow Leopard to Lion, which might see a Mac App Store version, Mac OS X 10.6.8 will be released solely through Software Update, and as a standalone download of the installer.
With Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference approaching fast (June 6), there is a good chance Mac OS X 10.6.8 will be the last major maintenance effort for Snow Leopard customers.
Future updates will most likely consist of specific drivers and various compatibility releases (like Camera RAW updates).
Those registered as Apple Developers through the company’s program can access Mac OS X 10.6.8 Build 10K524 immediately at Apple’s Mac Dev Center.