Nothing OS 4.0 open beta adds Essential OS, AI dashboard, Stretch camera
Nothing has opened an invite to test Nothing OS 4.0, its Android 16–based update, rolling out an open beta that brings new AI transparency tools, camera presets, multitasking improvements and system-level refinements to recent Phone models.
What’s in Nothing OS 4.0
The update introduces an AI Usage Dashboard on Phone (3), which lets users monitor background AI activity and gain transparency into what AI features are doing on the device. System-level improvements focus on a smoother experience across the board, including an enhanced lock screen, better Always-On Display performance, improved network stability and system app optimisation that speeds app startup.
Camera and imaging updates include a new “Stretch” Camera preset for Phone (2), Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus, developed in collaboration with photographer Jordan Hemingway. The preset aims to deliver deeper shadows and extended highlights directly from the Camera app.
Multitasking and interface changes add Pop-up View with support for dual floating windows, two new lock-screen clock styles, 2×2 Quick Settings tile support and an Extra Dark Mode designed to reduce eye strain. Essential-branded apps now allow widget creation and sharing in the Playground environment, with a temporary widget cap to preserve performance.
Essential OS and the app ecosystem
Nothing also announced a new Essential OS, described as an AI-centric operating system that will run on the company’s smartphones. Alongside Essential OS, Nothing unveiled a suite of Essential apps that the company says will enable highly personalised, user-created experiences. One example shown by Nothing: a user could ask an Essential app to build a custom morning banner that aggregates calendar appointments, live traffic and weather, then displays those details on the home screen.
Nothing claims Essential apps will offer a distinct experience from standard Android apps and will be compatible with current and upcoming Nothing phones. Developers can begin building and remixing apps on the company’s Playground platform.
Who can join the beta
The Nothing OS 4.0 beta is available now for Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus. Nothing says the Open Beta for Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro will arrive in October. Notably, the Phone (2a) lineup receives the update while the Phone (3a) series waits, a distribution Nothing did not explain.
Nothing warns testers to back up their data before installing beta software, citing possible temporary overheating or the need to factory reset when rolling back to Nothing OS 3.5.
How to join the open beta
Users who want to test Nothing OS 4.0 should follow these steps:
- Confirm the phone is running the latest stable build for that model.
- Download and install the official Beta Updates Hub .apk.
- Open Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
- Select Join Beta to register the device.
- After registering, select Go to Update or check Settings > System > System updates to install the beta.
- Restart the phone after installation.
Nothing’s latest moves — combining an Android 16 update with an emerging Essential OS and developer Playground — underline the company’s push to blend AI features, deeper personalization and third-party developer involvement across its phone lineup.
