As test automation continues to evolve across the SDLC, I’ve been wondering how traditional testing phases like alpha and beta testing align with modern automated pipelines.

Alpha testing is typically done internally before a product reaches real users, while beta testing involves external users validating the product in real-world conditions. But with AI-powered automation tools now capable of generating test cases, detecting flaky tests, and monitoring production behavior, where exactly do these two phases fit?

Does automation replace parts of alpha and beta testing, or does it complement them? And how should teams structure their automation coverage differently for each phase?

Would love to hear from folks who have integrated automated API testing or regression suites into their alpha/beta cycles. For reference, here’s a breakdown of the two phases that I found helpful: alpha vs beta testing