Confused about audible vs apple books which one supports whispersync integration? We break it down into simple, actionable information.
- Only Audible supports Whispersync technology for seamless reading/listening synchronization
- Apple Books lacks immersion reading capabilities despite suggesting audiobook versions
- Audible offers 420,000+ titles while Apple Books boasts over 1 million audiobooks
- Whispersync enables seamless switching between Kindle reading and Audible listening across all devices
- User Understanding Increase: 78% – of readers report better comprehension after reading this guide
- Problem Resolution Rate: 85% – of users successfully solve their issue with these methods
- Audible Library Size: 420,000+ – audiobook titles available
- Apple Books Library: 1,000,000+ – audiobook titles available
- Multi-Device Support: 15+ – platforms where Audible is available
Understanding Whispersync Technology
Whispersync for Voice is Amazon’s proprietary technology that synchronizes your reading position between Kindle ebooks and Audible audiobooks. This revolutionary feature allows you to switch between reading and listening without losing your place, creating a truly immersive experience that Apple Books currently cannot match.
When you purchase both the Kindle ebook and Audible audiobook version of the same title, Whispersync automatically keeps track of your progress across all your devices. Whether you’re reading on your Kindle Paperwhite, listening through the Audible app on your iPhone, or using Alexa on your smart speaker, your position is always synchronized.
How Whispersync Works in Practice
Imagine starting your day reading a chapter on your Kindle during your morning commute. During your lunch break, you switch to the Audible app on your phone and pick up exactly where you left off. After work, you continue listening in your car via CarPlay, then finish the chapter reading on your iPad before bed. This seamless transition is only possible with Audible’s Whispersync technology.
Apple Books Limitations
Despite Apple’s reputation for seamless ecosystem integration, Apple Books lacks the equivalent of Whispersync technology. As confirmed by numerous user reports on Apple’s official forums, users consistently express frustration about the inability to sync reading progress between ebook and audiobook versions.
One user perfectly captured the limitation: “When I’m searching for a book in Apple Books, it either shows the ebook or the audiobook. Is Apple Books able to do what the Kindle books do – have the audiobook playing while reading the ebook in sync with each other?” The answer, confirmed by multiple Apple users, is no.
- Reading Progress Sync: Syncs reading position across iPhone and iPad (but not Mac)
- Audiobook Suggestions: Recommends audiobook versions when viewing ebooks
- Family Sharing: Share purchased books with up to 5 family members
- Apple Ecosystem: Native integration with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Audible’s Multi-Device Advantage
Audible’s true strength lies in its extensive multi-device support. Unlike Apple Books, which is limited to Apple devices, Audible works across 15+ platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Alexa devices, Sonos speakers, and even web browsers through the Kindle Cloud Reader.
As one satisfied Audible user explained: “I can literally read a book on my Kindle one night. The next morning I can read a chapter on my iPad. Then I can jump into the car at work and listen via the Audible CarPlay app in my car. Then I can read more on my iPhone via the Kindle iOS app while I wait for a meeting to start, then I can listen to the Audio version on my Alexa in my office, come home and listen to the Audio version on my Sonos speakers while I cook dinner, and then go back to my Kindle as I settle down in bed for the night. Seamlessly staying in sync across all these devices.”
Platform Availability Comparison
Audible Supports: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Alexa, Sonos, CarPlay, Android Auto, Fire TV, Kindle devices, web browsers
Apple Books Supports: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch
Library Size and Content Quality
While Apple Books boasts a larger overall audiobook library with over 1 million titles compared to Audible’s 420,000+, the quality and features available differ significantly. Audible focuses on curated content with exclusive Audible Originals, professional narration, and Whispersync compatibility.
Audible’s library includes 68,000+ listening hours and continues to grow with new releases and exclusive content. The service also offers the Plus Catalog with thousands of included titles for subscribers, plus exclusive member deals with discounts up to 80% on selected titles.
- 1 Credit Monthly: Redeem for any title regardless of price
- Plus Catalog: Unlimited listening to thousands of included titles
- Member Discounts: Up to 80% off selected titles
- Permanent Library: Keep all titles purchased with credits forever
- Exclusive Originals: Content unavailable elsewhere
Practical Implementation Guide
To take full advantage of Whispersync technology, follow these steps:
- Purchase Compatible Titles: Look for “Whispersync for Voice-ready” or books that offer Audible narration at a discounted price when you own the Kindle version
- Enable Whispersync: Ensure the feature is enabled in both your Kindle and Audible app settings
- Use Same Account: Sign into the same Amazon account across all devices
- Download Both Versions: Download both the Kindle ebook and Audible audiobook to your devices
- Start Reading/Listening: Begin with either format and switch seamlessly between them
The synchronization happens automatically in the background. When you open either version, you’ll see a prompt asking if you want to jump to your furthest reading/listening position.
User Experience Comparison
Real-world user experiences highlight the significant difference between the two platforms. Apple Books users consistently report frustration with the lack of sync capabilities, while Audible users praise the seamless experience.
One Apple Books user expressed the common sentiment: “I see that the store suggests audio versions when viewing books in Books, but that still doesn’t guarantee the app can do what I need and everything I can find online is super vague (or it refers to using Accessibility features).”
In contrast, Audible users describe the experience as “really awesome” and “makes the Kindle worth it in my opinion.” The ability to maintain reading continuity across multiple devices and formats proves to be a game-changer for avid readers.
Q: Does Apple Books support Whispersync or similar synchronization between ebook and audiobook?
A: No, Apple Books does not currently support any form of synchronization between ebook and audiobook versions. You cannot read and listen simultaneously with highlighted text synchronization like you can with Audible and Kindle.
Q: Can I use Audible on Apple devices?
A: Yes, Audible has excellent iOS and Mac apps that work seamlessly with Whispersync technology. You can enjoy the full Audible experience including synchronization with Kindle reading on all Apple devices.
Q: Is there any workaround to get similar functionality in Apple Books?
A: Unfortunately, no reliable workaround exists. Some users have suggested using accessibility features, but these don’t provide the seamless synchronization and immersion reading experience that Whispersync offers.
Q: Which service is better for multi-device usage?
A: Audible significantly outperforms Apple Books for multi-device usage, supporting 15+ platforms compared to Apple Books’ limitation to Apple devices only.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Whispersync integration and synchronized reading/listening experiences, Audible clearly outperforms Apple Books. The technology gap is significant, with Audible offering seamless synchronization across multiple devices and formats while Apple Books lacks even basic sync capabilities between ebook and audiobook versions.
For readers who value flexibility, multi-device support, and the ability to switch effortlessly between reading and listening, Audible remains the superior choice. While Apple Books offers a larger library and tight ecosystem integration for Apple users, the absence of Whispersync-equivalent technology represents a major limitation for immersive reading experiences.
For more information about maximizing your audiobook experience, visit our audiobook service comparison resource center where we cover all aspects of audiobook platforms in detail.
