I'm sure they had an internal beta. But they can't test everything by themselves. A mass test is pretty much necessary. So I'm 99.9999% a beta will be released.

As per android users getting a headstart, it would be ideal for them to wipe all data at full release so everyone starts at lvl 1. And so people aren't that mad about wiping beta data, sts can reward beta testers with a simple vanity for participating in the beta and another if they cap during beta. Just vanities, no stat bonuses with them either.