Apple has pushed out a fairly major update to its iBooks application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The 1.5 update includes a new nighttime reading theme for a better digital reading experience in the dark. In addition, the new iBooks update adds a full-screen option – does wonders on the iPad – to focus on content and remove the tool bar, page numbers, and other distractions. The updated iBooks application also packs new “beautiful covers” for classic titles, popup footnote support, and an improved annotation system. On top of all of this, the free update includes performance and stability enhancements. (Thanks @chronic) Apple’s release notes:

Apple also updated their Cards app to version 1.0.1, bringing with it improvements to the checkout process and verification of postal addresses, as well as enhancements to text entry.

• Nighttime reading theme makes reading books in the dark easier on the eyes. • Full-screen layout lets you focus on the words without distraction. • iBooks now features an improved selection of fonts, including Athelas, Charter, Iowan, and Seravek. • Beautiful new classic covers for public domain books. • Support for pop-up footnotes, included in select iBookstore titles. • A redesigned annotation palette makes it easier to choose a color for your highlighted text.

Full screenshot gallery of the new iBooks update is after the break: