Apple Releases Mac OS X Lion Developer Preview 2

Apple today pushed out a new developer preview version of Mac OS X Lion, offering an updated build of the company's next-generation operating system for testing purposes. The new version is Build 11A419.

Changes included in the update are currently unknown. We've also heard that Apple pushed out a minor update via Software Update to developers testing the initial Lion build, an update that will allow them to download updates through the Mac App Store.

It was reported a few days ago that Apple is already nearing the release of "golden master candidate" versions to developers, despite a distinct lack of polish and even basic functionality in the initial version issued late last month. Consequently, developers will be looking closely at the new build for signs of progress.

Apple has stated that Mac OS X Lion will be released to the public this summer, and the operating system is of course expected to be one of the major topics of discussion at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference scheduled for June 6th-10th.

Update: TechCrunch reports that this is indeed the "golden master candidate" build it discussed over the weekend, although the designation remains an internal one for the time being with Apple not expected to push out a final release candidate until around its Worldwide Developer Conference in early June.

Update 2: Mac OS X Lion Server Developer Preview 2 is also available as a standalone download. The server components had been bundled in with the regular release for the initial developer build. Apple has said that Lion Server will be a part of the basic Mac OS X Lion package, so it is unclear why the company is at least temporarily bundling it separately.