Apple Books digital narration
Turn an eligible English ebook into an Apple Books audiobook through a participating publisher partner, with Apple managing voice selection, production, and store delivery.
Sources checked 3 October 2026.
PlansFree Free production during beta; partner distribution terms may vary
- Digital narration
- Free
- Apple describes production as free; check the preferred partner’s separate distribution terms.
AI & setupAI includedEligible ebook; submit through a partner
Retain audiobook rights and submit through Draft2Digital, Ingram CoreSource, or PublishDrive. Production and checks usually take one to two months.
Where it worksWebApple Books listing
Submit through a participating distribution partner for Apple Books publication.
Usage & termsNo preorders; 1–2 month productionDistribution through participating partners
Eligibility depends on ebook language, rights, format, country, and editorial review. Meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee synthesis.
Authors retain audiobook rights and may create other editions; the Apple Books edition is labeled as narrated by Apple Books.
Use the ebook already on Apple Books
An English ebook with audiobook rights can be nominated through Draft2Digital, Ingram CoreSource, or PublishDrive. File quality, formatting, content compatibility, and editorial review determine acceptance; meeting the basic conditions does not guarantee successful synthesis.
Choose the voice type and prepare the edition
Listen to the available genre samples, select a voice type, and provide the audiobook description and cover. Apple can adapt the ebook cover into square artwork when a custom cover is not supplied. Production and checks usually take one to two months; pre-orders are not supported.
Rights and distribution
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Keep the rights to create other audiobook versions
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Apple says the publisher or author retains audiobook rights and may produce and distribute other versions. The resulting store edition is labeled as narrated by Apple Books.
Feature details & official sources
Purpose and capability information checked 3 October 2026.
Platform and pricing reference: 24 October 2026.
Recorded requirements and limits
- Requires an ebook on Apple Books, audiobook rights, English text, and partner nomination. File, content, and editorial checks determine eligibility.
- Production and checks usually take one to two months. Pre-orders are not supported.
- Authors retain audiobook rights and may create and distribute other versions.
Information may be inaccurate. Confirm details on the official website. Report errors to [email protected].