Nothing has started the public rollout of Nothing OS 4.0, its Android 16–based software update, after an extended open beta and months of anticipation as the company pushes an AI-first strategy.
Beta testers thanked as general release begins
Nothing opened the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta to users in late October and said testers’ feedback helped prepare the build for general release. The company confirmed the launch in a short post on X, announcing: “Nothing OS 4.0. Let your phone bring flow to your life. General Release. 21 Nov.”
First devices expected to receive the update
Nothing has not published an official stable-rollout device list, but the handsets included in the open beta are expected to be among the first to receive the update. Phone 2, Phone 3, Phone 2a, Phone 2a Plus, Phone 3a, and Phone 3a Pro are likely to get the update on day one, with support for additional models such as the anticipated Phone 3a Lite expected to follow. Devices running Nothing OS under the company’s CMF sub-brand should also be covered by ongoing update commitments.
Key features and system changes
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces device-specific additions for the Phone (3) and a broader set of system-wide improvements that will roll out to other Nothing devices:
- Phone (3) specific: deeper Flip to Glyph controls; refined Pocket Mode; new Glyph Toys (Hourglass and Lunar Cycle); Mirror Selfie can now save the original photo as an extra image in Gallery.
- Live Updates and Glyph Progress: real-time ride, delivery, and timer information appears on the lock screen, notification area, and Glyph Interface; apps that support Android 16 Live Updates will also support Nothing’s Glyph Progress.
- Visual and power improvements: a refined Extra Dark Mode deepens blacks, improves contrast, and reduces power use; Notifications, Quick Settings, and the App Drawer receive a calmer, more focused look.
- Motion and haptics: enhanced touch, swipe, and gesture responsiveness; haptic feedback at volume limits; smoother app open and close animations that add depth to transitions.
- Interface and productivity: improved notification interactions; new widget sizes (1×1 and 2×1) for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time; Pop-up View for two floating apps; Hidden Icons to simplify the App Drawer.
Rollout timeline
Nothing says the general release began on 21 November and that supported devices should receive the update gradually over the following days. The company positions Nothing OS 4.0 as its most significant software update of the year, bringing a refreshed interface, AI-focused tools, and deeper customization across the Nothing ecosystem.
