# Reader product facts

> Reader is a native iPhone and iPad app for your own PDF and EPUB books. This page separates current capabilities, requirements, and planned features.

Canonical page: https://reader.brighteng.org/product/
Updated: 2026-09-28

## 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](/privacy/) 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](/guides/): import books, choose a format, and use ChatGPT assistance.
- [Support](/support/): troubleshooting and the developer’s contact route.
- [Privacy](/privacy/): storage, online processing, and deletion choices.
- [Terms](/terms/): use conditions and Apple’s standard EULA.