For eBook enthusiasts and authors in the writing and publishing niche, finding the right reading application for iPad can transform how you enjoy or create digital books. With the iPad’s crisp Retina display and portability, the perfect app can make reading seamless, whether you’re diving into a novel or reviewing your latest manuscript. In 2025, with over 6 million eBooks available on platforms like Kindle (per Amazon stats), the demand for versatile reading apps is higher than ever.
Let’s explore the top options and features that make your iPad a powerhouse for eBook reading.
Why Use a Reading Application for iPad?
An iPad’s 10.9-inch or larger screen beats smaller eReaders for visuals and multitasking. Reading apps enhance this with customizable fonts, night modes, and cloud syncing, features built for comfort and convenience. A 2024 survey by Statista showed 35% of eBook readers prefer tablets over dedicated devices, and iPads lead the pack thanks to app variety. For authors, these apps double as tools to preview layouts or share drafts.
Check out this blog post: Best Free eBooks for iPad
Apple Books: The Built-In Reading Powerhouse
Apple Books comes pre-installed on every iPad, offering a clean, intuitive interface. It supports ePub and PDF files, syncing across Apple devices via iCloud. With over 2 million downloads monthly in 2024 (per web data), it’s a staple for casual readers. Features like adjustable brightness, in-app purchases from the Book Store, and Reading Goals keep users hooked. It’s free, seamless, and perfect for Apple ecosystem fans.
Kindle App: Amazon’s Reading Giant on iPad
The Kindle app brings Amazon’s massive library. 6 million titles as of 2025 to your iPad. It syncs purchases and progress via Whispersync, displaying covers beautifully on the Retina screen. A 2024 update added better highlighting and note-taking, ideal for authors testing reader views. Free to download, it’s the top choice for Kindle Store users, holding a 60% share of eBook app usage on iPads, per recent app analytics.
Libby: Free Library Reading on iPad
Libby, powered by OverDrive, connects your iPad to local libraries for free eBook and audiobook loans. With a library card, you can borrow bestsellers or indie titles. Over 1.5 billion checkouts happened via Libby in 2024 (per OverDrive stats). Its 2025 update improved offline reading and font scaling, making it a budget-friendly gem for readers who love free access on a big screen.
Check out this blog post: Best Audiobooks on Libby
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Features to Look for in iPad Reading Apps
Not all apps are equal. Key features to prioritize in 2025 include:
- Format Support: ePub, MOBI, or PDF compatibility.
- Customization: Font size, background color, and margins.
- Syncing: Cross-device progress tracking.
- Extras: Annotations, dictionaries, or text-to-speech.
A 2024 study found 70% of readers value customization over price, pushing apps to evolve for iPad’s versatile display.
Comparing Top Reading Apps for iPad
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Apple Books: Best for iCloud users, ePub focus, free.
- Kindle: Ideal for Amazon buyers, 6 M+ titles, free app.
- Libby: Free library access, offline mode, no cost.
Kindle leads downloads, but Libby’s loan model surged 20% in 2025 (per web trends), showing variety matters. Each shines depending on your reading source. Store, library, or personal files.
How Reading Apps Benefit eBook Authors?
For authors, iPad reading apps are testing grounds. Load your manuscript into Kindle or Apple Books to see how it renders on a 10.9-inch screen, crucial since 25% of eBook readers use tablets (2024 data). Annotations help refine drafts, and syncing lets you share with beta readers. In 2025, apps like these will bridge writing and publishing, streamlining your workflow on one device.
Check out this blog post: What Are the Benefits of Kindle?
Tips for Optimizing Your iPad Reading Experience
Maximize your app with these tweaks:
- Screen Settings: Use True Tone or Night Shift for eye comfort.
- Storage: Clear space, apps like Kindle need 100MB+ for big libraries.
- Updates: iOS 18.2 (2025) boosts app performance, keep it current.
- Offline Mode: Download books for travel or spotty Wi-Fi.
Web forums note iPad’s battery life (10 hours) pairs perfectly with these apps for marathon reading.
Conclusion
A reading application for iPad opens up a world of eBooks, tailored to your style. Whether it’s Apple Books’ sleek integration, Kindle’s vast library, or Libby’s free loans. In 2025, these apps transform your iPad into far more than a tablet; they’re gateways to millions of stories, ideas, and opportunities for readers and authors alike in the eBook publishing niche. With features like seamless syncing, customizable fonts, and support for formats like ePub or PDF, there’s an app for every need. Buying bestsellers, borrowing from libraries, or refining your own manuscript.
For readers, these tools make diving into a new book effortless, with the iPad’s vibrant screen bringing every page to life. For authors, they offer a chance to preview layouts, annotate drafts, or connect with audiences in real time, all from one device. As eBook consumption grows. Over 30% of readers used tablets in 2024, per Statista. The right app can elevate your experience, whether you’re chasing a gripping novel or crafting your next hit. Explore Apple Books for its polish, Kindle for its depth, or Libby for its cost-free access, and find the one that matches your habits. The beauty of these apps lies in their flexibility, letting you read, create, or share on your terms.
So, take a moment to think about what you want from your iPad reading journey, then pick an app, download it, and let those digital pages spark your next adventure. Which one will you try first?
