By Marek Pesan, TaleReady developer · Updated
Will your audiobooks work with TaleReady?
TaleReady is a player for accessible, DRM-free MP3, M4A, and M4B files. It is not an audiobook store or a way to extract protected downloads from another app. You can test your own files for free before buying Pro.
Supported devices
- iPhone with iOS 17 or later for importing and listening.
- A paired Apple Watch with watchOS 10 or later for Watch features.
- Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker connected to the Watch for direct Watch playback.
- No Apple Watch is needed to use the iPhone player. No cellular plan is needed to play audio already prepared on Watch.
- The interface is in English. This workflow uses an iPhone to import and prepare audio; it is not a Watch-only import workflow.
Files you can import
Use individual MP3 or M4A files, a folder of chapter files, or a chaptered M4B audiobook. TaleReady copies selected files into its on-device library. Keep the originals as your backup.
Files must be fully downloaded and readable. A filename extension alone is not a guarantee that an audio file is valid or compatible. Start with the M4B and MP3 import guide.
ZIP downloads
Extract a ZIP archive in the iPhone Files app first, then select the resulting audio files or folder in TaleReady. Do not import the ZIP itself or rename it to .mp3.
The LibriVox guide gives a concrete download-to-listening example.
Protected downloads and servers
TaleReady does not remove DRM, extract protected Audible or Libby downloads, or import another app’s library merely because the book appears there. For a protected purchase or loan, use the service’s own supported playback options.
It does not connect directly to Plex, Audiobookshelf, or BookFunnel accounts. If a source separately provides compatible DRM-free files you have the right to use, you can import those files through Files. Account access and an exportable file are different things.
What stays free?
Import and listen on iPhone without a library-size or listening-time limit. Manually prepare the next hour on Apple Watch and repeat the preparation when you need more. There is no trial countdown.
Watch preparation requires time, space, and a nearby paired iPhone. Only audio shown as ready is available offline. See the Watch preparation checklist.
What does Pro change?
The optional lifetime purchase adds larger Watch listening windows, whole-book preparation when storage allows, Always Ready, and automatic cleanup of listened audio. There is no subscription. Current regional pricing is shown in the App Store.
Pro does not add an audiobook catalogue, remove DRM, or change the supported import formats. Background transfers still depend on watchOS scheduling. Try an import and an offline Watch session before deciding.
Try TaleReady free on the App Store →Something does not work?
See support and troubleshooting. The app can export a privacy-safe diagnostic bundle at your request; do not send your audiobook files.
These are the developer’s product specifications, not an independent review. Developer information and screenshots.