Apple Books vs Audible

2024. New AI tool helps authors release more audiobooks on Amazon



Audible now boasts an impressive catalog of 40,000 audiobook titles narrated by AI-generated voices, made possible by a new tool introduced by Amazon. Available to self-published authors affiliated with the Kindle Store, this free tool, still in beta testing, facilitates the conversion of books into audiobooks with remarkable efficiency. The rapid production of audiobooks using this tool contrasts starkly with the prolonged process required with human narrators, offering significant time and cost savings for authors. However, concerns arise regarding the listener experience, as many struggle to distinguish AI-generated audiobooks from traditional ones, despite some being labeled accordingly. Additionally, there is apprehension regarding the potential impact on the livelihoods of human voice narrators in the future.


2023. Audible launches app for smart watches



Audible has unveiled its Wear OS application, broadening the horizons for audiobook enthusiasts using Android-based smartwatches. This app enables users to download audiobooks for offline listening and adjust the playback speed of their podcasts according to their preferences. Additionally, it allows users to directly choose audiobooks from their library on their Galaxy Watch that runs Wear OS. This integration provides newfound freedom to users, allowing them to enjoy their beloved books without being tied to their smartphones. Essentially, the Audible Wear OS app offers a seamless and intuitive audiobook experience for Android smartwatch users. Whether you're on the go or taking a break from your smartphone, Audible on Wear OS provides a fresh way to immerse yourself in your favorite books anytime, anywhere.


2023. Audible is testing ad-supported access



Audible is testing ad-supported access to select titles for non-members. The move indicates that the company may be exploring the possibility of an ad-based membership option. Audible declined to comment on any specific plans. The test includes audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Audible says the test applies to a limited subsection of titles on its platform. Content providers were informed of the change and given the chance to opt out of ads. Users who are part of the test will hear a total of eight ads within a 24-hour period. Audible says it has taken additional measures to make sure that ads won’t be heard too frequently within a short time span. The company currently offers an Audible Plus membership plan that costs $7.95 per month and includes a selection of Audible Originals, audiobooks, sleep tracks, meditation programs and podcasts.


2023. Apple Books is bringing back page turn animation on iOS



In the latest iOS 16.4 beta for iPhone and iPad, Apple is reintroducing the page turn animation in the Books app. With the upcoming update, users will have the option to enjoy the traditional page turn CURL animation, allowing them to swipe and gesture to get a peek at the next page or simply turn it in a conventional manner, mimicking the experience of reading a physical book. Previously, Apple Books only offered the swipe animation, which resulted in an abrupt page turn resembling sliding between slides. However, with iOS 16.4, the default animation will be the page turn CURL, although users can manually select from four different settings: Curl, Side, Infinite Scrolling, and None. Many users who were disappointed by the absence of animations in the Apple Books app with the release of iOS 15 had switched to alternative apps like Kindle that always supported such animations.


2023. Apple Books launches catalog of AI-narrated audiobooks



Apple Books has introduced a collection of books narrated by artificial intelligence, a move that could signal the start of a decline for human narrators. This strategy represents an effort to disrupt the profitable and rapidly growing audiobook market. However, it also brings the likelihood of increased scrutiny regarding accusations of Apple's anti-competitive conduct. Within Apple's Books app, a search for "AI narration" unveils a selection of works featured in this initiative. These works are described as having been "narrated by a digital voice based on a human narrator." Although there could be potential backlash from professional voice actors, authors themselves are increasingly being requested to personally narrate their own books. For writers, there exists a financial incentive in terms of upfront payments and broader accessibility of their creations.


2022. Apple Books is getting a bunch of new features in iOS 16



With the upcoming release of iOS 16 in the fall, the Apple Books reading app will receive a range of new options to enhance the reading experience according to individual preferences. Users will have the ability to customize the reading themes to suit different environments and moods, as well as adjust font, spacing, text size, and other settings. The audiobook player will undergo a redesign, featuring refreshed player controls and a convenient mini player that enables seamless listening while browsing the store. Furthermore, users can now continue listening to any audiobook they are previewing by directly purchasing the book within the player. This new Apple Books experience will be available on both iPad and iPhone devices. Notably, in iOS 15, the app featured a toolbar at the top providing access to chapter indexing, font adjustments, search tools, and bookmarks. However, in iOS 16, these elements have been relocated to the bottom of the app for improved accessibility.


2022. You can no longer buy audiobooks on Audible for Android



Audible is undergoing a change in its Android app experience, transitioning to Google Play Billing, which will impact the ability to purchase individual titles directly within the app. Instead, single title purchases will no longer be available. Additionally, new Audible memberships will be billed through Google Play, rather than directly through Audible. However, users will still have the option to utilize Audible credits for purchasing books within the app, and the ability to acquire additional credits will remain accessible. This alteration is a result of a Google Policy revision for developers, which now entails a 30% charge on each digital good for larger companies generating over $1 million in annual revenue.


2022. Audible ties up with Wattpad



Audible has formed a partnership with the online social reading platform Wattpad, as reported by Indianexpress. This collaboration aims to make the most popular stories from Wattpad accessible to members of Audible in the form of audiobooks. Throughout 2022, the platform, owned by Amazon, plans to introduce additional titles from Wattpad. What's even better for Audible members is that these stories will be available for free. Audible expressed their strong belief in the potential of the Indian market and sees the inclusion of more regional language audiobooks and podcasts as a way to tap into a larger segment of the market.


2021. Waze now allows to stream Audible-audiobooks when driving a car



Waze, the mobile navigation app known for providing driving directions, has now integrated with Audible, enabling drivers to listen to audiobooks and podcasts while on the road. Audible members can seamlessly access audio content, including Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts, directly within the Waze app. With access to over 600,000 Audible Originals and a vast library of other content, drivers have a wide range of options to choose from. Waze already offers integration with numerous other audio apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, and NPR, further enhancing the audio experience for drivers.


2020. Audible is changing its subscription packages



Audible has recently introduced a new subscription package called Audible Plus, granting subscribers access to an impressive collection of over 68,000 hours of content spanning more than 11,000 original productions, audiobooks, and podcasts. This new offering comes at a monthly cost of $7.95. In addition, Audible has rebranded its Audible Gold program as Audible Premium Plus, available at a monthly subscription fee of $14.95. Audible Plus provides users with access to podcasts and original content, but does not include credits. Existing Audible members can immediately enjoy the new Plus library, while new users will be able to subscribe to the Audible Plus service starting from August 27th.


2020. Audible updated library management on iOS



Audiobook service Audible has introduced changes to their library system within the iOS app. Users now have the ability to arrange their audiobooks by genre or create collections. If you have multiple audiobooks in progress, you can conveniently locate titles based on their listening status. The new "Titles" feature enables you to filter your titles as started, not-started, or finished. Additionally, titles can be sorted by genres, automatically organizing books for those who prefer an effortless approach. To further customize your organization, you can create your own folders or collections with unique names and add titles to them. The newly introduced Favorites section provides easy access to your most frequently listened titles, allowing you to enjoy them repeatedly.


2020. Apple Books giving away hundreds of free books



Apple Books has recently unveiled a selection of several hundred audiobooks and ebooks that are now available for free. To access these offerings, simply launch the Apple Books app and navigate to the featured section where you will find a category labeled "Free Books." It is important to note that this promotion is exclusively available to customers in the United States. Within this section, you can explore a diverse range of genres, including read-alongs for children, cozy mysteries, and audiobooks suitable for the entire family. Furthermore, Apple is highlighting their "First in a Series, Free" section, allowing users to choose a complimentary novel from this collection. The app features an extensive assortment of titles catering to both adults and children, featuring renowned works from Sesame Street to HG Wells, as well as well-known classics like Pride and Prejudice available in audiobook format. Depending on your geographical location, the app may also include timeless masterpieces by authors such as Shakespeare.


2020. Audible is giving away hundreds of stories for kids



Audible has embraced a powerful motto, "For as long as schools are closed, we're open," which is set to make a significant impact on households worldwide. The company recently made an exciting announcement, declaring that hundreds of their kid-friendly titles can now be accessed completely free, without any obligations or requirements for registration or login. All you need to do is click the provided link and start enjoying the captivating stories. This offering comes as a lifesaver for those moments when your little ones are feeling restless, and you find yourself short on time to read to them. Audible takes care of it all. Their vast collection includes stories suitable for every age, from Winnie-the-Pooh for the youngest toddlers to The Mystery of Alice for tweens. Additionally, there's an extensive selection available in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. You have the freedom to stream these titles on your desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet, ensuring convenient access to a world of delightful storytelling.


2019. Apple Books adds Reading Goals



Apple plans to introduce reading goals in Apple Books, allowing users to track their reading progress for both audiobooks and ebooks when iOS 13 launches later this year. The system aims to encourage users to engage in short reading sessions, such as while waiting in line for coffee, during their commute, or before bedtime, with the goal of achieving their daily reading targets. Users can build streaks by consistently meeting their goals and share the books they have completed through the "Books Read this Year" collection. Reading goals will be accessible on various iOS 13 devices, including iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac computers. While it remains uncertain if users will earn badges or achievements, or if it will solely focus on daily reading goals for audiobooks and ebooks, more details are expected to emerge with the launch of the public beta next month.


2019. Audible.com brings Choose Your Own Adventure Stories to Alexa devices



Amazon's Audible is currently conducting tests on Choose Your Own Adventure-style narratives for Alexa devices, featuring professionally performed and voice-controlled stories from ChooseCo, the original publisher of the Choose Your Own Adventure book series. ChooseCo may sound familiar due to its legal dispute with Netflix over the use of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" trademark in the Black Mirror episode. ChooseCo asserts that Netflix lacked the proper license for its trademark usage. Nevertheless, ChooseCo aims to capitalize on the attention garnered from the dispute and leverage Netflix's success in popularizing this interactive storytelling approach among a tech-savvy, younger consumer base.


2018. Audible brings its audiobook library to the Apple Watch



Amazon-owned audiobook site Audible has recently unveiled its dedicated Apple Watch app, allowing users to enjoy audiobooks and effortlessly manage their library directly from the convenience of their small watch screen. This development aligns with Apple's emphasis on smartwatch audio, as demonstrated by the introduction of an LTE-enabled watch version last year and the recent announcement of a native podcasting app for the platform. Furthermore, this move helps validate Audible's recent addition of Aaptiv fitness routines, which seamlessly integrate with the Apple Watch's health and fitness focus. These workout and meditation offerings are currently complimentary for Audible users until September of the following year, further enhancing the overall user experience.


2018. iBooks rebrands as Apple Books



When iOS 12 is released later this year, Apple iBooks will undergo a rebranding and be known as Apple Books. Alongside the rebranding, the app will undergo a significant redesign. One notable addition is the "Reading Now" feature, which provides users with information about the audiobook and ebook they are currently engaged with, offering an indication of their progress within each title. This will be visually represented by an open book image accompanied by the book title. The existing iBooks app's bottom menu options, including "My Books," "Featured," "Top Charts," "Search," and "Purchased," will be replaced with "Reading Now," "Library," "Bookstore," "Audiobooks," and "Search." This modification will simplify access to the audiobook section, eliminating the need to navigate through the bookstore before reaching the audiobooks tab.


2017. Kindle gets Audible audiobooks support



Both the 8th generation Kindle and the first generation Amazon Kindle Oasis have recently received firmware updates that introduce a notable enhancement: the ability to purchase and listen to Audible audiobooks using Bluetooth headphones. A new feature allows users to seamlessly switch from browsing the Kindle bookstore to exploring the Audible collection, accompanied by a series of captivating images promoting this new bookstore integration. For Audible subscribers, any audiobooks obtained through their monthly credits are automatically synchronized with their Kindle library. The built-in audiobook player offers impressive functionality, including the ability to skip forward or backward by fifteen seconds and adjust the pitch level. While enjoying an audiobook, the Kindle Oasis conveniently displays the remaining time in the current chapter and features software-driven volume controls. At the bottom of the screen, a Bluetooth notification indicates the paired device or provides instructions for connecting headphones or a wireless speaker.


2017. Audible launched new unlimited subscription service Romance



Audible Romance introduces an exciting unlimited subscription program, granting users access to a vast collection of audiobook titles. This innovative service enables listeners to instantly gauge the level of steaminess in romance titles. With 41 micro-categories and 131 story and character tropes, listeners can delve deep into the catalog and discover romance titles that align with their specific interests. Each micro-category boasts its own browse page, allowing listeners to explore and sample audio snippets from each included title before immersing themselves in the complete story. Audible Romance is available for $6.95 per month as an add-on to an existing Audible membership, or as a standalone service at $14.95 per month.


2016. You can now give Audiobooks to your friends via Audible



Audible has introduced an exciting new gifting feature that enables users to share an individual audiobook with their friends. As part of this offering, each recipient will receive their first title for free, and Audible will compensate authors, actors, and other rights holders with the equivalent value of the shared title. Audible members who have purchased an audio title can conveniently send the book to their friends via email, text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp, utilizing various devices such as iOS, Android, and Windows 10. If the recipient is not an Audible member, they can simply sign up for a free account and enjoy the audiobook that has been shared with them.