MacRumors.com

Apple had expected to declare their upcoming Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Gold Master this week. "Gold Master" status is given the final shipping version of the software which is sent to duplicators for distribution.

Based on our sources, Apple had not quite reached that goal, but today released an internal "GM candidate build" which could represent the final version of Mac OS X Leopard, if no other issues are found.

Apple has been working against the clock to get Leopard duplicated and shipped for an October release. October 26th has been noted to be planned ship date, and Apple has already been training support staff in anticipation of its release.

The Build number for the latest GM candidate is said to be 9A581.