ibooks does not sync collections on all devices

iCloud doesn't sync the same content across all devices.

You can set automatic downloads so that new content is downloaded to all devices, but it doesn't sync content already on the devices.

You can choose what is synced to each device in iTunes on your computer.

You can re-download content purchased from the iBook store (availability varies depending on location) using the purchased option at the bottom of the screen after you tap the store button in the top corner of the iBook app on your iOS device.

Winston,

You are both correct and incorrect at the same time.

You are correct insofar as iCloud doesn't sync across all devices, but errant in your assertions that iCloud doesn't sync the same content across all devices (sic). At least as far as what Apple claim it will do within iBooks.

This official iBooks link http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5544 clearly states "Books will be organized in the same collections on all of your devices. You can read and organize your books with your iPhone or iPod touch while you're on the go, and when you return home to your iPad, you'll find your books in the same organization you created on your iPhone or iPod touch. ". The article goes on to explain the additional options available for "purchased" books.

In the AppStore description of the iBooks app, under "iCloud features" it says "Organise your books and PDFs into personal collections that appear on all your devices" and "Keep your bookmarks, highlights, notes, and your current page up-to-date everywhere using iCloud". As these features are listed under the iCloud features section, it is fair to assumes iCloud manages and delivers them.

That seems fairly unequivocal to me.

Notwithstanding, I have the same issue as Shell44 above. I can create collections on both devices. The collection names synchronise between the devices, but not the content. The books and PDFs do not synchronise. I do not wish to use iTunes options that are available as this is not on-the-go cloud based syncing I need, so I am at a loss as to what to do.

I am using an iPhone 5 with an ipad mini and ipad 2. iBooks is version 3.1, iOS is 6.1.4 and 6.1.3 respectively. I have a paid storage subscription with apple for iCloud.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Winsot is correct. iCloud syncs the collection organization, but not the actual content (assuming you have Sync Collections set to On in Settings>iBooks). Just as the article states, books will be organized into the same collections on all your devices. But it doesn't state that iCloud will sync books to your other devices; it only syncs the collections.

If you don't want to sync purchased books to your devices from iTunes, you can redownload them from iCloud to your devices, as discussed here: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2519.

Hi randers4

Appreciate your response but have to disagree with both your conclusions.

We can split hairs on semantics, but a personal collection for books and documents is only of use if it contains those books and documents. If a personal collection merely means a folder structure with NO content as you seem to be asserting, then it shouldn't be advertised as a cloud feature on the AppStore in the way it is as my post point out. A cloud service that does not serve content is not a cloud service, it is a cloud function for folders at best, well short of a content based service that is central to cloud services on the Internet today. Only the content has value, if the content is not cloud enabled on iBooks, then that needs to be explicitly stated in the AppStore because that is not clear. I suggest you look at the iBooks description for yourself, unfortunately I don't know how to create the link, but its easy enough to find. Look for Apple as the developer, and iBooks as the app.

On your second point I didn't ask for info about how to sync purchased books I don't have any problems there.

Can anyone else shed any further light on this?

I'm only the messager. If you don't like how it works tell Apple: http://www.apple.com/feedback/icloud.html. But that is how it works.