Nothing has confirmed the rollout of its Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 update. The company will release the update in phases, which means users across different regions will receive it gradually. The first phones to get the update will be from the Phone 3 series, followed by the Phone 3a models. Nothing has already tested the software through an open beta programme that began in late October. This testing period gave selected users an early look at the new features and helped the company fix issues before the public release. Since the beta version is also available on Nothing Phone 2 and Phone 2a devices, the stable update for these models is also expected to arrive soon. With this update, Nothing aims to provide a cleaner design, smoother performance and more control for everyday use.
Based on the ongoing beta testing and the rollout pattern, several devices are expected to receive the update. These include the Nothing Phone 3, the entire Phone 3a lineup, the Phone 3a Pro, the Nothing Phone 2, the Phone 2a and the Phone 2a Plus. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is also part of the list. The Phone 3a Lite is expected to join the rollout soon, along with some CMF models that still have pending Android upgrades. Older phones such as the Phone 1 will not get the update because they have reached the end of their software support period. Nothing OS 4.0 will be the final major update for the Phone 2 and CMF Phone 1.
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The rollout for the Nothing OS 4.0 starts today, November 21, and will move forward in a phased manner. The Phone 3 series will receive the update first because it is the newest hardware and allows the company to complete final checks quickly. The Phone 3a models will follow next. Once the update is stable on the newest phones, the company is expected to push it to the Phone 2 and Phone 2a series, which already tested the beta version. CMF models with active support will get the update in the following weeks. Users will receive a notification as soon as the update is ready for their region.
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Nothing OS 4.0 brings several improvements across performance, camera and personalisation. Essential Space on the Phone 3 has been updated with a new AI activity dashboard that shows how on-device AI tools work in a simple way. The update also makes daily usage smoother with faster lock screen response, better brightness control, stronger Bluetooth and improved Wi-Fi stability. The system overall becomes more stable and consistent.
The update also introduces Essential Apps, which are small AI-based tools that users can create and share using Playground. Phone 3 users can keep up to six of these tools on their home screen, while other devices can currently keep up to two. The Camera app gets a new Stretch preset made in partnership with photographer Jordan Hemingway. This preset adds deeper shadows and brighter highlights for a cinematic look without editing. A new app optimisation system helps apps launch faster and improves multitasking by managing background activity more smartly.
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Pop up View now supports two floating app icons, making it easier to switch between tasks. Users can swipe up to shrink a window and pull down to bring it back to full screen. The interface has been refreshed with cleaner visuals, updated Quick Settings and new lock screen clock styles. Extra Dark Mode brings deeper blacks and reduces eye strain during night use. It may also improve battery life on supported displays.
Users who are already on the beta version will automatically receive the stable update through an over-the-air notification.
However, if you’re not running the beta version, you can head to Settings > System > System Update > press the Update button to start downloading the Nothing OS 4.0 on your device.
It is recommended to take a full backup before installing the update. A minimum of 50% battery and a strong Wi-Fi connection are advised since the update size may be large and the installation process requires a stable connection.