Onyx Boox Palma 3 Receives Aluminum Body and Android 16 Update

Onyx Boox has announced that its Palma 3 e‑ink tablet will be released with a new aluminum chassis and an upgrade to Android 16, while retaining the device's existing hardware specifications. The move signals the company's effort to blend durability and the latest software features without altering the core performance that users have come to expect.

The Palma 3, originally launched with a plastic enclosure, is now being offered in a brushed‑aluminum shell that promises a sturdier feel and a more premium aesthetic. The change addresses long‑standing user feedback about the fragility of earlier models, and aligns the device with other premium e‑readers that have shifted toward metal bodies for added resilience.

Beyond the exterior redesign, the tablet will ship with Android 16, the newest version of the operating system at the time of release. This software update brings enhancements such as improved power management, refined UI elements, and broader compatibility with third‑party apps, which could expand the Palma 3’s utility beyond reading to include note‑taking, web browsing, and light productivity tasks.

Despite these updates, the Palma 3’s internal components remain unchanged. It continues to feature a 10.3‑inch E Ink Carta display, a Snapdragon processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of internal storage, specifications that place it squarely in the mid‑range e‑ink tablet market. By keeping the hardware constant, Onyx can roll out the new version without inflating the price, offering existing owners a clear upgrade path.

Industry observers note that the combination of a more robust build and the latest Android iteration could make the Palma 3 more appealing to professionals who rely on digital note‑taking in demanding environments. The upgrade also underscores Onyx’s strategy of incremental improvements—enhancing durability and software while preserving the device’s proven performance—rather than pursuing a full redesign. The company has not announced a release date, but the updated model is expected to reach retailers within the next few weeks, giving consumers a fresh option in the competitive e‑ink tablet segment.