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Apple Books Requirements — EPUB Specs & Publishing Guide
File format, metadata, and content requirements for publishing on Apple Books through Apple Books for Authors. Updated for 2026.
Overview
Apple Books at a glance
Apple Books is the #2 ebook retailer behind Amazon Kindle. With a premium readership across iPad, iPhone, and Mac, it is one of the highest-value channels for indie authors and publishers.
Authors can upload directly through Apple Books for Authors (formerly iTunes Connect), or distribute through aggregators like IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and PublishDrive. Apple takes a 30% commission — authors keep 70% on sales at any price point, starting at $0.99.
Apple Books is an ebook-only platform. All uploads must be in EPUB format and pass EPUB Check validation before they are accepted for sale.
File Specifications
EPUB requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | EPUB 3 preferred, EPUB 2 accepted |
| Validation | Must pass EPUB Check |
| Layout | Reflowable (standard) or Fixed layout |
| DRM | Apple FairPlay, applied automatically (opt-out available) |
| Maximum file size | 2 GB |
| Table of contents | Required — NCX (EPUB 2) and/or nav document (EPUB 3) |
Layout types
- Reflowable: Standard for novels and text-heavy books. Text reflows to fit the reader’s screen size and font preferences.
- Fixed layout: Supported for picture books, cookbooks, and design-heavy titles where page layout must be preserved exactly.
Fonts, images, and media
- Fonts: Embedded fonts are supported, but Apple may override them with reader preferences on the device.
- Images: JPEG or PNG. No specific DPI requirement — resolution matters less for screens than for print.
- CSS: Supports a subset of CSS3. No external stylesheets — use inline or embedded styles.
- JavaScript: Not supported in reflowable EPUBs.
- Audio/Video: Supported in enhanced ebooks (EPUB 3 only).
Cover Image
Cover requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG or PNG |
| Minimum dimensions | 1400 × 1873 px (approx. 1:1.33 ratio) |
| Ideal dimensions | 2560 × 3840 px |
| File size | Under 5 MB |
| Color space | RGB (sRGB) |
Note: The cover image is what readers see in the Apple Books store and on their devices. No additional text overlays are required — the title and author name are displayed by the store listing, not burned into the image.
Metadata
Metadata requirements
Required fields
- Title and subtitle
- Author name
- Publisher name
- ISBN — required for Apple Books (no free option available)
- Language
- Description — up to 4,000 characters
- Categories — BISAC codes, up to 2
- Publication date
- Price — set per territory, minimum $0.99 or equivalent
Optional fields
- Keywords
- Series name and number (if applicable)
- Age rating (if applicable)
ISBN note: Unlike Amazon KDP, Apple Books does not provide free identifiers. You must supply your own ISBN, purchased from Bowker (US) or your country’s ISBN agency. If you distribute through an aggregator, some (like Draft2Digital) offer free ISBNs.
Content Rules
Content guidelines
- No placeholder content: The book must be complete. No “coming soon” chapters or stub pages.
- No competitor links: Do not include links to Amazon, Kobo, or other competing ebook stores in the content.
- No external purchase calls: Do not direct readers to buy the book elsewhere.
- No malware or spam: No deceptive content, hidden links, or misleading metadata.
- Adult content: Must be marked appropriately during the upload process.
- Preview: Apple automatically generates a sample from the first ~10% of the book.
- Front matter: A copyright page and title page are expected.
- Accessibility: Alt text for images is recommended. Proper semantic markup (headings, lists, paragraphs) is preferred.
Distribution
Upload options
There are two paths to getting your ebook into the Apple Books store.
1. Direct upload via Apple Books for Authors
- Cost: Free to use. Apple takes 30%, you keep 70%.
- Requirements: An Apple ID.
- Process: Upload your EPUB directly, set pricing per territory, and control metadata and publication timing.
- Advantage: Full control over your listing, pricing, and schedule. No middleman fees.
2. Aggregator (IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, PublishDrive)
- Cost: Aggregator takes a percentage on top of Apple’s 30%.
- Process: Upload once, distribute to Apple Books and other stores simultaneously.
- Advantage: Simpler if you are already distributing through them. One dashboard for multiple stores.
- Trade-off: Less control over pricing and metadata updates. Slower response times for changes.
Troubleshooting
Common rejection reasons
Apple reviews every submission. These are the most frequent reasons books are rejected or flagged during review.
- EPUB fails EPUB Check validation. Run your file through EPUB Check before uploading.
- Missing or malformed table of contents. Every EPUB needs a valid NCX or nav document.
- ISBN not provided. Apple Books requires an ISBN for every title.
- Cover image too small or wrong aspect ratio. Minimum 1400px on the shortest side.
- Links to competing stores in the content. Remove Amazon, Kobo, and other retailer links.
- Placeholder content or incomplete book. No stub chapters or “coming soon” pages.
- Metadata mismatch between EPUB and store listing. Title, author, and ISBN must match exactly.
- Missing copyright page. A copyright page is expected in the front matter.
- Images with wrong color space. Use RGB, not CMYK. CMYK is for print, not screens.
- Font licensing issues. Only embed fonts you have a license to distribute in an EPUB.
Further Reading
Related guides
- KDP Requirements — File specifications and publishing guide for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
- IngramSpark Requirements — Print and ebook specs for IngramSpark distribution.
- Kobo Requirements — EPUB and metadata requirements for Kobo Writing Life.
- EPUB vs PDF Guide — When to use each format and what the differences mean for your book.
- Formatting Checklist — 35 pre-upload checks for print and ebook files.
Common Questions
FAQ
What file format does Apple Books accept?
EPUB. Apple Books strongly prefers EPUB 3 but accepts EPUB 2. The file must pass EPUB Check validation. Apple does not accept PDF, MOBI, or DOC files for ebook distribution.
Do I need an ISBN for Apple Books?
Yes. Apple Books requires an ISBN for all titles. You can purchase ISBNs from Bowker (US) or your country's ISBN agency. Unlike Amazon KDP, Apple does not provide free ISBNs.
What royalty rate does Apple Books offer?
Apple pays 70% for books priced $2.99 and above, in most territories. For books under $2.99, the rate is 70% as well — Apple's rate is consistent regardless of price point, unlike Amazon's tiered structure. Apple pays monthly, 45 days after the end of the fiscal month.
Can I publish a print book on Apple Books?
No. Apple Books is an ebook-only platform. For print distribution, use KDP (Amazon), IngramSpark (bookstores and libraries), or Barnes & Noble Press.
What cover size does Apple Books require?
Minimum 1400 pixels on the shortest side. The ideal size is 2560 × 3840 pixels. The image must be JPEG or PNG, RGB color space, and under 5MB. The cover is displayed in the Apple Books store and on readers' devices.
Every Ebook Store
One EPUB. Every platform.
Cambric exports EPUB 3 files that pass Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play validation. Write once, publish everywhere.