What is Reader?
Reader by BrightEng is an independently developed reading app for iPhone and iPad, made by Sihan Teng. You import your own PDF or EPUB documents. Reader is not a bookstore or a source of licensed books.
Current capabilities
| Area | What Reader does |
|---|---|
| Documents | Imports PDF and EPUB files through the system file picker. |
| Reading | Remembers reading position, offers reading themes, and supports EPUB text adjustments. PDF page typography remains part of the original document. |
| Notes and bookmarks | Saves your notes, selected excerpts, and bookmarked locations for later reference. |
| Connected AI | Uses your eligible ChatGPT account to explain or translate selected text, or define a word in context. |
| Account controls | Provides model selection, a connection test, and a way to disconnect the local ChatGPT account. |
AI provider and requirements
ChatGPT is the only connected online AI provider currently supported. Online actions require an internet connection, eligible account access, an available model, and the provider’s required login permissions. Reader does not include a ChatGPT subscription or bypass its usage limits.
Reading, notes, and bookmarks do not require a ChatGPT account. AI responses can make mistakes or introduce unintended spoilers. Selecting a passage for an online AI action can send that text and relevant context to OpenAI; the privacy policy describes this in detail.
Coming soon
Flashcards and learning are planned features. Neither is currently available. There is no announced release date for them on this site.
Important boundaries
- PDF selection requires a usable text layer. Built-in OCR is not a current advertised capability.
- Reader does not currently provide automatic cross-device transfer of imported book files. Keep your original files and backups.
- The website’s interactive reading example uses preset responses. It is not an app screenshot or a live ChatGPT session.
- This website does not quote a price or confirm a public App Store release. Download availability and purchase terms must come from an actual linked App Store or TestFlight listing.
- Reader is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple or OpenAI.
Further information
- Reading guides: import books, choose a format, and use ChatGPT assistance.
- Support: troubleshooting and the developer’s contact route.
- Privacy: storage, online processing, and deletion choices.
- Terms: use conditions and Apple’s standard EULA.