Nothing has finally confirmed that its long-anticipated Android 16-based software upgrade, Nothing OS 4.0, will begin rolling out globally from November 21. After several weeks of open beta testing that started in late October, the company says the stable version is now ready for public release. Nothing also thanked beta testers for their feedback, adding that this update marks a pivotal step in its AI-first software direction.
The company even posted a short teaser on X, stating: “Nothing OS 4.0. Let your phone bring flow to your life.” That line reflects the theme of this update—fluidity, smoother motion, refined visuals and a deeper integration of AI-driven experiences. With a wide set of features, camera upgrades, design refinements and device-specific improvements, Nothing OS 4.0 is shaping up to be the company’s most substantial software release of the year.
Key Takeaways: Nothing OS 4.0 Android 16 Update — Features, Eligibility & Rollout
- Stable rollout starts November 21 after weeks of beta testing.
- Eligible in first wave: Phone 2, Phone 3, Phone 2a, Phone 2a Plus, Phone 3a, Phone 3a Pro.
- Expected soon: Phone 3a Lite and CMF-branded models.
- Brings Extra Dark Mode, Pop-Up View, new Quick Settings layout & new lock screen designs.
- Introduces Essential Apps & Nothing Playground for creating/sharing lightweight AI-powered tools.
- Glyph Progress now supports Android 16 Live Updates for real-time ride, delivery & timer updates.
- Camera upgrades: Stretch Mode for Phone 2 series, refined presets, Motion Photos with audio & new artistic frames.
- Lock Glimpse stays off by default on Phone 3a series to protect privacy.
- Phone (2) receives its final major OS upgrade, while Phone (3) continues with long-term update support.
Nothing OS 4.0 Rollout: Which Phones Get the Update First?
Nothing has not published a formal compatibility list, but the open beta roster confirms the first eligible models, which include:
| Device Model | Rollout Status | Firmware Version (Where Available) |
| Nothing Phone (2) | Rolling out | B4.0-251119-1654 |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | Rolling out | B4.0-251120-1747 |
| Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Rolling out | B4.0-251120-1812 |
| Nothing Phone (3) | First wave | – |
| Nothing Phone (3a) | First wave | – |
| Nothing Phone (3a) Pro | First wave | – |
Following shortly after will be:
- Nothing Phone (3a Lite) — launching in India with Nothing OS 3.5 but expected to receive OS 4.0 soon.
- CMF-branded smartphones, which share the same OS base and are still under software support.
Nothing confirmed that the update will be released gradually via OTA, meaning some regions and models may see the update a few days later than others.
What’s New in Nothing OS 4.0: Major Features & Improvements
Extra Dark Mode for Better Night-Time Use
The upgrade introduces a redesigned Extra Dark Mode that deepens blacks, increases contrast and enhances comfort in low light. It also helps extend battery life on OLED panels.
A More Fluid UI: “Flow” Motion and Refined Animations
Nothing OS 4.0 focuses heavily on motion design. Users will notice:
- Improved app-open and app-close animations
- More natural swipe, scroll and navigation gestures
- Enhanced haptic feedback, especially at volume limits
- A cleaner and visually consistent interface
This aligns with the industry trend of fluid UI languages, similar to Apple’s “Liquid Glass” and Vivo’s new “flow-centric” OriginOS.
Enhanced Quick Settings & Lock Screen Personalisation
The update introduces several visual and usability enhancements:
- A 2×2 Quick Settings tile for a cleaner, decluttered pull-down menu
- Two new lock-screen clock styles
- More widget size options including 1×1 and 2×1 layouts for essentials like Weather, Pedometer and Screen Time
These additions make the interface more flexible and personalised while retaining Nothing’s minimalist identity.
Nothing Playground & Essential Apps: AI-Driven Tools You Can Build Yourself
Nothing OS 4.0 expands the company’s earlier widget-based tools into a broader system called Nothing Playground.
It introduces:
- Essential Apps (Alpha) — lightweight, AI-powered user-created tools
- Widget Builder — describe the tool you want, and the system generates it
- Ability to share mini-apps with other users
This shift reflects Nothing’s move toward a community-driven, AI-assisted ecosystem.
Glyph Interface Upgrades Powered by Android 16 Live Updates
For phones featuring the Glyph display, OS 4.0 brings meaningful improvements:
- Glyph Progress integrates Android 16 Live Updates
- Shows real-time ride arrivals, delivery progress and timers
- Works with any app already supporting Live Updates API
This makes the Glyph lights significantly more functional than previous generations.
Camera Upgrades Across Phone 2, Phone 3 and 2a Series
The camera system receives both creative and functional enhancements:
Shared Upgrades Across Devices
- Updated preset styles
- Improved filters with intensity controls
- Longer Motion Photos with audio capture
- New Nothing-branded watermarks & artistic frames
- Refreshed, smoother camera UI
Device-Specific Additions
- Stretch Mode, previously exclusive to Phone 3, comes to Phone 2 series.
- Glyph Mirror Selfie improvements on Phone 3 save the original unedited image.
- Lock Glimpse provides curated updates on the lock screen but remains disabled by default on Phone 3a series for privacy.
Nothing’s Update Policy: Which Phones Get How Many Upgrades?
Nothing’s update commitments remain unchanged:
- Phone (3) — five years of OS updates + two years of security patches (best support in lineup).
- Phone (3a) & CMF Phone 2 Pro — two major updates ahead.
- Phone (2a) series — supported up to Android 17.
- Phone (2) — Nothing OS 4.0 is its final major update.
- Phone (1) — no longer eligible for new Android releases.
A Look at the Road Ahead
Nothing OS 4.0 marks an evolution toward smoother design, deeper AI tools and more meaningful personalisation. With stronger visual coherence, practical multitasking improvements, enhanced camera performance and expanded support for user-created widgets, the update aims to make the everyday smartphone experience feel more responsive and more intuitive.
As the staged rollout continues worldwide, more users across Nothing’s ecosystem — including CMF devices — will begin receiving the update over the coming days.
FAQs on Nothing OS 4.0 Android 16 Update
1. When will the Nothing OS 4.0 Android 16 update start rolling out?
The public rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 begins on November 21, with a gradual OTA release to eligible devices over the following days.
2. Which Nothing phones are eligible for the Nothing OS 4.0 update?
The first wave includes Phone 2, Phone 3, Phone 2a, Phone 2a Plus, Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro. Phone 3a Lite and CMF models will follow.
3. What major features does Nothing OS 4.0 introduce?
Nothing OS 4.0 brings Extra Dark Mode, Pop-Up View, new Quick Settings layout, updated lock screen designs, camera upgrades, Essential Apps and Android 16-based Glyph Progress.
4. What camera improvements come with Nothing OS 4.0?
The update adds Stretch Mode for Phone 2 series, new presets, improved filters, longer Motion Photos, watermarks, artistic frames and a refreshed camera interface.
5. Is Nothing OS 4.0 available for older devices like Phone 1 and Phone 2?
Phone 2 receives its final major update with OS 4.0. Phone 1 has reached the end of its update window and will not get Android 16.
