A method and apparatus for writing magnetization states in a pair of magnetic layers of a multi-layer continuous magnetic recording medium and a method and apparatus for reading readback pulse shapes representing a magnetization state transition between such written magnetization states of a two-layer continuous magnetic recording medium. Writing each magnetization state includes selecting the magnetization state, determining a write current sufficient to write the magnetization state, and applying the write current to a magnetic write head to write the magnetization state by simultaneously writing associated magnetic states in each magnetic layer of the pair of magnetic layers. A readback pulse shape representing a written magnetization state transition is read. The written magnetization state transition is uniquely identified from the readback pulse shape of the transition or from both the readback pulse shape of the transition and the readback pulse shape of one or more next magnetization state transitions.