An apparatus and a corresponding system and method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate includes a receiving device, in particular a cassette, for receiving the storage phosphor plate, a removal device for removing the storage phosphor plate from the receiving device, and a reading device for irradiating the storage phosphor plate removed from the receiving device with stimulation light and for detecting emitted light excited thereby in the storage phosphor plate. In order to permit as reliable a removal and/or return of the storage phosphor plate from and to the receiving device as possible while providing a simple design, the removal device has at least one removal element, which can be coupled to the storage phosphor plate and which can move along a curved path.