The latest developer version of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard is available for free (yet illegal) download via torrents. Labeled 10A380, the beta software is said to pack minor UI enhancements and all the 64-bit goodness it has to offer. Softpedia, however, encourages readers to wait for Snow Leopard’s official release. After all, it’s just a $29.95 upgrade. Also, beware of Trojans!

At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple introduced a more stable version of Snow Leopard, the latest version of the Mac OS originally introduced at last year’s conference. In one year’s time, Apple’s vast developer community was able to enhance all of Leopard’s core features, but also make minor adjustments to optimize performance. Apple mentions big changes, such as the completely re-written Finder, enhanced icon views, the Dock Expose, and the new QuickTime X, as well as system-wide tweaks, ranging from faster loading times, more sync options and a new split-pane terminal.

During the Worldwide Developers Conference keynote address delivered by Phil Schiller, Apple revealed that it would be charging only $29.95 for the upgrade to its next-gen OS. But the company has lowered that upgrade price even more, for buyers of a Mac or Xserve between June 8 and September, when it plans to launch the new version of Leopard. Apple will provide more details about eligibility and the exact end date for this promo on June 16.

Softpedia doesn't encourage downloading non-approved / pirated Apple software via torrent sites. This article has a purely informational purpose and doesn't, in any way, suggest that Mac users should go forth with downloading pirated copies of Mac OS X Snow Leopard via means of file-sharing services like BitTorrent.