With iOS 12, Apple transformed iBooks into the sleek "Books" app, featuring an intuitive design with tabs for Reading Now, Library, Book Store, and Search. But the standout upgrade? A robust Dark Mode that enhances usability across the entire app.
Unlike previous versions with limited dark themes for reading only, Books now applies Dark Mode app-wide. It activates automatically based on ambient light, though its behavior can feel quirky. Here's how it truly works.
If you've used the Auto-Night theme in earlier iBooks versions, this is similar. Enter a dimly lit room, and the app switches to Dark Mode seamlessly using your iPhone or iPad's ambient light sensor. Return to brighter light, and it reverts to the default theme.
One limitation: no manual toggle. You can trigger it in bright areas by covering the sensor, but it reverts immediately when uncovered. At night, brighter lighting is needed to disable it. Apple could improve this with a simple on/off switch.
Despite its auto-only nature, Dark Mode performs excellently. The screen dims in low light, with book covers, titles, and icons crisply visible on a dark backdrop—no artifacts or crude inversions.
Titles appear in clean white without glare, while menus and tabs use subtle grays. It spans all tabs, making the Book Store perfect for late-night browsing.
Note: Download confirmation screens remain bright, creating contrast—Apple, please refine this.
For e-books, the familiar Auto-Night theme integrates perfectly with the app's Dark Mode, activating in low light.
Control it easily: Tap the aA icon in the top-right corner of a book, then toggle Auto-Night Theme. Above it, choose from four background color options for manual adjustments.
If it won't switch back despite brighter light, force-quit and relaunch the app.
Tip: Double-tap Home (or swipe up and pause on iPhone X+), then swipe up on the Books card.Apple's Dark Mode elevates the Books experience, reducing eye strain effectively. More user controls, like reading's Auto-Night options, would make it even better. Stay tuned for updates.
