ShelfPlayer

ShelfPlayer is a powerful iOS application for listening to audiobooks and podcasts, designed for users with self-hosted Audiobookshelf libraries. Built in Swift 6 for iOS 18+, ShelfPlayer is fast, privacy-respecting, and deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem.

ShelfPlayer does not include any media content. A running Audiobookshelf instance is required to use the app.

Features

• Unified audiobook and podcast app: A single, native experience for audiobooks, podcasts, episodes, authors, narrators, series, collections, and playlists.

• Multi-server support: Works with multiple Audiobookshelf servers and libraries at the same time.

• Flexible authentication: Supports both username/password and OpenID sign-in.

• Custom request headers: Additional HTTP headers can be configured for advanced setups.

• Listen Now: Continue listening and discover content across connected libraries.

• Global and library search: Fast search across books, podcasts, people, series, and episodes.

• Playback queues: Includes both a main queue and an Up Next queue.

• Chapter navigation: Chapter-level controls are available directly in playback views.

• Playback speed controls: Combines quick presets with precise rate tuning.

• Configurable skip intervals: Skip forward and backward durations can be tailored to personal preference.

• Sleep timer: Supports both time-based and chapter-based timers, with Live Activity integration.

• AirPlay and media controls: Native integration with AirPlay and Apple system media controls.

• Bookmarks with notes: Save key moments with optional notes.

• Progress synchronization: Listening progress and sessions stay in sync with Audiobookshelf.

• Listening history: Detailed, item-level listening timelines are available.

• Daily listening tracking: Tracks listening time with optional daily goals.

• Offline mode and downloads: Downloaded content remains available when offline.

• Automatic convenience downloads: Background downloads cover Listen Now, podcast, and series content.

• Collections and playlists: Built-in tools for creating, editing, and organizing collections and playlists.

• PDF viewer: Opens attached PDF documents in-app.

• Home Screen widgets: Includes Start, Listen Now, and Listened Today widgets.

• Live Activities and Dynamic Island: Sleep timer controls stay accessible on Lock Screen and Dynamic Island.

• Siri, App Intents, and Shortcuts: Playback and automation workflows are fully integrated with Apple automation tools.

• CarPlay support: Library browsing and playback controls are available in CarPlay.

• Spotlight integration: Indexed content appears in system search with deep links back into the app.

• Home Screen quick actions: Common playback and search actions are available from the app icon.

• Native iPhone and iPad interface: Optimized layouts with customizable tabs, sorting, and filters.