Nothing began rolling out the Open Beta of Nothing OS 4.0 on Friday for the Phone 3a and Phone 3a, introducing a redesigned icon set, a new camera preset and a lock-screen feature called Lock Glimpse. The update also marks the first time Nothing will ship selected third-party apps pre-installed on some non-flagship devices, a move that raises questions about future bloatware on the company’s phones.
What’s new in Nothing OS 4.0
- Lock Glimpse: A lock-screen experience that cycles high-quality wallpapers across nine curated categories. Users can access it by swiping left from the lock screen. The feature is disabled by default and, according to Nothing, collects no personal data when enabled. Nothing says Lock Glimpse can surface timely updates similar to Google’s At a Glance, and future builds will allow users to set their own photos to appear on unlocks.
- All-new icon design: A lighter, more refined visual language across the system.
- Stretch camera preset: A new filter developed with photographer Jordan Hemingway that delivers a cinematic look with deeper shadows and brighter highlights.
Nothing describes these additions as part of a broader effort to redesign everyday interactions while keeping users in control.
Pre-installed third-party apps and bloatware concerns
For the first time, Nothing will include a curated set of third-party apps on some non-flagship devices. The company says apps are chosen for popularity and relevance, citing Instagram as an example, and notes some integrations can enhance device features such as camera performance and content sharing.
Nothing insists all pre-installed apps will be easy to remove and that users will retain control over what appears on their devices. The company frames the decision as a financial necessity, saying it operates on “razor-thin margins” and must make deliberate choices to remain sustainable. Whether this signals a longer-term shift toward more pre-installed software remains uncertain.
How to join the Open Beta
- Confirm your Phone 3a or 3a Pro is on the latest stable build V3.2-251013-1406.
- Download the Beta APK from Nothing’s official community post.
- Install the APK from your downloads folder.
- Open Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
- Tap Join Beta, then tap Go to Update to install the beta.
Company perspective
Co-founder Akis Evangelidis framed the update as part of Nothing’s effort to rebuild smartphone interactions and be transparent with users about changes to the OS. He acknowledged the difficulty of building a hardware brand in a market dominated by established players and said the company will continue to notify users about new features and pre-installed apps while soliciting feedback as the OS evolves.
