Q: BUG: can't download multiple iBooks from same Author, workaround found

Hello,

Symptom:

We created ~12 iBooks (files) but the iBooks app in iOS wouldn't accept more than one iBook.  You could download the files via various channels (Google Drive, Safari, etc.) and try to "Open In... iBooks" but only the first iBook you installed would open (and later be visible).  You cannot also download a newer version (same name) of the first iBook.  If you delete the first iBook, you can again download/install/open just file.  This is a bug.

Root Problem?

We created later iBooks by changing the content of the previous one and then saving it.  We believe there is unique 'project' metadata within each new iBook project you create (from which iBook files comes). This is not visible or configurable within iBooks Author.  We think the iBooks app sees that project metadata, thinks its the same book , and then opens that first iBook.  The file you downloaded is on the device but the iBook database can't accept it not the bookshelf present it.  Its likely orphaned within the device.

Workaround

Until Apple fixes the bug, the workaround is to always create a 'new' iBooks project in iBook Author for each iBook you wish to publish.  If you need to re-use content, copy-paste it from the old project into the new one.

Solution

Perhaps iBooks (app) could sense the name, author, and version number when iBooks Author saves the .ibook file and treat that combination (maybe as a hash) as the unique version value.