page–turning Book features

Apple’s revised ebook reader is better for organizing your library

The latest version of Apple’s ebook and PDF reader brings with it a visual and navigational overhaul. Way back when iOS 7 released it stripped out skeuomorphic effects from its apps, though some analog aspects, like when you turned pages in iBooks, remained.

iOS 12 reintroduces a small amount of that playful nod to physical media, adding a hardback spine effect to previously flat cover artwork. However, the big changes come in how you keep track of things you’re reading and what you’d like to read, and discover new books over time.

1 Reading Now

The top row of this tab shows your most recently read book at the top left. To the right (iPad) or just below (iPhone) are covers of other books you’ve started. Tap any to pick up where you left off.

2Want To Read

Next down are books and PDFs you’ve marked for later reading: that you own, or of interest from Apple’s store. Tap the ellipsis under an item’s cover/in its summary for an option to add it here.

3Manage books

New downloads are added to Want To Read. For others, tap the ellipsis beneath one in your library and pick ‘Add to Want To Read’, or ‘Add to Collection’ if you prefer to separate genres.

4More to read

Below are For You suggestions based on your purchases and books you’ve ‘loved’, plus a bestsellers list. Tap one to learn more, add it to Want To Read or a collection, or get a sample.