The new and improved Apple iBooks application now called Apple Books, has appeared on iPhones all over the world today with the release of iOS 12, the software update available to download as of this morning.
The new application has five tabs: Reading Now, Library, Book Store, Search and, for the first time, a tab of dedicated Audiobooks.
Apple previewed it for the first time at WWDC in June. The company said its sleek new look was the "largest book redesign in history." The cleaner user interface, along with larger images, gives the application a more modern feel and a better overall experience. More importantly, it sets Apple up to compete better with other audio / e-book applications, such as Audible, owned by Amazon.
In the Book Store, users can explore recently released titles and best-selling books, curated collections and special offers; It is available in 51 countries and there are free books to download available in 155 countries.
Apple Books is also much smarter than its predecessor. As you download titles and commit to the application, the application will send you personalized recommendations based on your activity.
In fact, it was time for an update. Audiobooks are more popular today than when Apple launched iBooks for the first time in 2010 and deserve its own tab. According to the Pew Research Center, one in five Americans hear them frequently, an increase of 28 percent over 2016.
