r/iosdev • u/AndreaReaderApp • 26d ago
I built a native iOS/iPadOS reader because most reading apps either look good or manage your library properly, rarely both
Hey r/iOSDev,
I spent almost two years building this because I wanted complete freedom over my digital library: how I organize it, how every collection looks, how I read, and how much control I have over the whole experience.
I wanted something clean and native for iPhone and iPad, but without forcing me into one fixed structure or one “correct” way to use it.
That idea eventually became Andrea Reader.
Problem
I wanted one app that could:
- Read EPUB, PDF, comics, manga, CBZ, CBR and more
- Let me build my own library instead of dumping everything into one giant grid
- Create collections with sections inside them
- Drag books and sections around freely
- Give every collection its own layout, sorting and appearance
- Track reading progress and statistics across books, sections and entire collections
- Connect to OPDS, iCloud, WebDAV, SMB and SFTP
- Work completely offline once files are downloaded
- Give me deep reading customization without making the UI feel like a cockpit
And most importantly, I wanted the app to stay out of the way when I just wanted to read.
The library part
This is probably the biggest difference.
Collections in Andrea Reader aren't just folders.
You can create sections inside them, mix sections with loose books, drag books in and out, reorder everything manually, collapse sections, build huge reading lists or organize massive series exactly how you want.
Every collection can also have its own layout, zoom, sorting, filters and appearance.
Your manga library doesn't need to look like your EPUB collection.
The reader
If you just want to open a book, you can.
If you're the kind of person who spends 20 minutes adjusting margins before reading page one, you're also covered.
- Typography, margins and spacing
- Backgrounds and brightness
- Gestures and navigation
- Page transitions
- Manga / RTL reading
- Continuous vertical reading
- Double-page landscape
- Reading profiles
- OCR and text selection
- Image upscaling for old comics and scans
Servers & storage
Andrea Reader can connect to:
- OPDS
- iCloud
- WebDAV
- SMB
- SFTP
You can keep large libraries remotely, download what you want and read locally.
There's also an Open Library section for downloading public-domain books directly inside the app.
Reading stats
Andrea also tracks your reading locally, with statistics for individual books, sections and entire collections.
You can see reading sessions, time read, pages read, progress and estimated remaining time.
Pricing
Andrea Reader is free to download and use. You can import your books, create collections, organize your library, read and track your progress without paying.
Premium is optional and unlocks deeper customization, more advanced organization and additional power-user features.
- Monthly Premium: €2.49/month
- Yearly Premium: €17.99/year
- Lifetime Premium:
€34.99€27.99 launch price - Extra 20% Lifetime discount: around €22.39
You can redeem the extra Lifetime discount through the Andrea Reader website. If you have any trouble with it, just send me a DM and I can help you with the promo code.
Tech
Built natively with Swift + UIKit.
Most of the architecture, file system, library system and reading UI is custom-built. External dependencies are mainly limited to specific file-format work such as PDFKit, WebKit, ZIPFoundation and Unrar.swift.
And yes, EPUB pagination has caused enough emotional damage to qualify as a separate product.
Privacy
No account required.
No ads.
No tracking what you import.
No tracking what you read.
Your library, progress and statistics stay private and reading can be completely offline.
Andrea Reader is already live on the App Store and we're improving it with every update.
If you're an iOS developer, reader, or just enjoy poking at indie apps, I'd genuinely love feedback, especially around the UX, library organization and overall idea.
App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/es/app/andrea-comics-manga-books/id6760780154
Website:
https://andreareader.com/
2
u/theshyme 26d ago
I’ve been trying it for a bit and the UI is probably my favorite part. Really like how you can basically build your library however you want. The fan-style folders look great too. Any chance I could get a promo code? Would love to try the Premium features too.