The board of the Audit Bureau of Circulations has modified its definition of a digital magazine to accommodate new reading devices such as the Apple iPad.

New standards state a replica digital edition must include a print edition’s full editorial content and advertising, but it no longer needs to be presented in a layout identical to the print version. Replica digital editions will continue to be included in a magazine's circulation guarantee, or rate base, according to the ABC announcement.

ABC confirmed that Wired magazine was the first publication to seek review of its iPad version, which will qualify as a digital replica edition under the new guidelines.

The ABC board encourages publishers planning new e-reader editions, or mobile apps to seek ABC evaluation if they would like clarification on qualification or reporting of their digital editions.