Apple has released a new version of its iBooks app for iOS, along with a new version of its iTunes U app. The iBooks app in particular now has a cleaner look as the Cupertino giant chose to do away with the previous wooden shelf design that has been a hallmark of the app since it was first released.

In some ways, the design is still similar to the wooden shelf design as books still appear as if they are on a shelf, but this time with an off-white background. Buttons and icons across the app have been changed to more reflect the design language of iOS 7. Otherwise from that, there aren't many big features here to get excited about. As it stands, the update mainly changes the look of the app and much of nothing else.

For the uninitiated, here's the description of both apps, according to Apple:

iTunes U

The iTunes U app gives you access to complete courses from leading universities and other institutions - plus the world's largest digital catalogue of free education content - all from your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Whether you're studying molecular biology at university, learning Spanish at school or just interested in European history, you now have a valuable tool to help you learn anytime, anywhere.

iBooks

iBooks is an amazing way to download and read books. iBooks includes the iBooks Store, where you can download the latest best-selling books or your favorite classics - day or night. Browse your library on a beautiful bookshelf, tap a book to open it, flip through pages with a swipe or a tap, and bookmark or add notes to your favorite passages.

When you open the new iBooks, you'll realize that the animations are still the same so the app will not have that alien feeling. Furthermore, pages still curl as you turn them, so that should be great for long time users.

On the matter of the iTunes U app, it is now similar to the new iBooks app with a catalog where users can download new content, and the shelf is very similar as well.