Nothing OS 4.0, built on Android 16, is officially set to arrive this autumn. Nothing CEO Carl Pei confirmed that the Nothing Phone (3)—which ships with Android 15-based OS 3.5—will be the first model to receive the major update later this autumn, likely between September and November 2025.
This update marks a significant upgrade, leveraging Android 16’s improved performance, battery efficiency, and tighter security while unlocking new AI-driven features and enabling deeper integration with the Phone (3)’s distinctive Glyph Matrix rear display.
Nothing OS 4.0: Official Confirmation and Release Window
Nothing has officially confirmed that Nothing OS 4.0 will be rolling out this autumn, ending weeks of speculation among fans. CEO Carl Pei himself shared the news, sparking excitement across the Nothing Phone community. For users of Nothing Phone (1), (2), and (2a), this is more than just another software update—it’s the promise of Android 16’s latest features combined with Nothing’s minimalist design philosophy.
Expectations are high for a carefully managed, phased global rollout. This approach aims to ensure stability and reduce bugs by learning from early adopters’ feedback before a wider release.
By confirming the timeline well in advance, Nothing is signaling its commitment to transparency and giving users plenty of time to prepare for the upgrade. As anticipation builds, Nothing OS 4.0 is shaping up to be a major milestone in the company’s mission to deliver a refined, community-driven smartphone experience.
Built on Android 16 for Next-Gen Performance
Nothing OS 4.0 is set to take full advantage of Android 16’s cutting-edge improvements, making it more secure, private, and user-friendly than ever. With the latest security and privacy features baked in, users can expect better control over app permissions, improved encryption, and a more transparent approach to data usage—giving them greater peace of mind in everyday use.
Developers will also benefit from Android 16’s updated APIs, enabling richer integrations and more powerful apps tailored to Nothing’s unique interface. This means users could see new, innovative features designed specifically for the Nothing ecosystem.
Performance is another key promise of the update. Nothing OS 4.0 aims to deliver a smoother, faster experience with optimized resource management, snappier animations, and quicker app launches. It’s not just about keeping up with Android 16—it’s about fine-tuning the OS to match Nothing’s minimalist vision while offering the speed and stability users demand.
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Refined User Interface in Nothing OS 4.0
With Nothing OS 4.0, the company is doubling down on the minimalist design philosophy that has set it apart from other Android manufacturers. Nothing’s approach has always been about stripping away the clutter and delivering a user experience that feels modern, focused, and delightfully simple. This next major update promises to push that vision even further.
Users can look forward to a noticeably cleaner layout, where every element on the screen is carefully considered. Expect updated iconography with a more uniform, polished style that improves at-a-glance readability without sacrificing personality. Menus and system settings are likely to be reorganized for easier navigation, reducing the cognitive load on users who just want things to “work” without digging through endless submenus.
Animations are another major focus in Nothing OS 4.0. Early teases suggest smoother, more natural transitions between screens and apps, giving the whole interface a premium, cohesive feel. It’s the kind of polish that might seem subtle at first but becomes impossible to live without once you get used to it.
Instead of flashy or gimmicky effects, Nothing is expected to favor refined motion design that supports usability and feels satisfying without getting in the way.
This update is also a statement about Nothing’s identity as a brand. Where many competitors continue to load their Android skins with redundant apps, unnecessary features, and heavy visual flourishes, Nothing is intentionally going in the opposite direction. The goal of Nothing OS 4.0 isn’t to overwhelm users with options—it’s to give them just what they need in a way that feels intuitive, consistent, and elegant.
By committing to a minimalist aesthetic while integrating Android 16’s modern underpinnings, Nothing is showing it can offer the latest technology without losing its soul. For existing Nothing Phone owners, this fall’s update isn’t just a routine version bump—it’s the next evolution of a design philosophy that genuinely respects their time and attention.
Enhanced Glyph Interface Features
One of the most distinctive features of Nothing phones is the Glyph Interface—a unique arrangement of LED strips on the back that turns notifications into a visual experience. With Nothing OS 4.0, this signature feature is set to get even more powerful and personal, delivering better customization and smarter ways to stay connected without constantly staring at your screen.
Users can expect more granular control over the lighting patterns, allowing them to assign specific sequences or colors to particular apps, contacts, or notification types. Whether it’s a subtle pulse for a text message or an urgent strobe for important calls, Nothing OS 4.0 aims to let users tailor the Glyph to their own priorities and style.
This level of customization not only makes the phone more personal but also more useful—letting you know what’s happening at a glance, even from across the room.
Another exciting possibility is the integration of third-party apps with Glyph features. While previous versions of Nothing OS offered basic support for calls and messages, the new update could expand this to popular messaging apps, social media alerts, or even productivity tools. Imagine getting a custom Glyph flash when your favorite delivery app updates your order or when a meeting reminder pops up.
On top of that, smarter notification handling is expected, with Nothing OS 4.0 learning your habits over time to minimize distractions. The system might prioritize important notifications, silence less critical ones automatically, and give you finer control over what triggers the Glyph lights. It’s all about making notifications meaningful without being overwhelming.
Ultimately, these improvements show that Nothing isn’t just adding gimmicks—they’re refining one of their most innovative ideas to be even more helpful and user-friendly. By investing in the Glyph Interface through Nothing OS 4.0, the company is doubling down on its mission to make technology more intuitive, expressive, and human.
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Improved Battery Optimization
Battery life is one of those things users care about the most, and Nothing OS 4.0 is set to make meaningful improvements in this area by building on Android 16’s advanced power management features while adding its own thoughtful optimizations.
Android 16 itself introduces better system-level power-saving tools. It can intelligently reduce background activity for apps you don’t use often, extend standby time, and prioritize tasks to make sure your phone delivers performance only when you need it. Nothing OS 4.0 takes these improvements as its foundation but doesn’t stop there.
Nothing’s own engineering team is working on additional tweaks aimed at getting even longer screen-on time without compromising the smooth user experience that fans love. Expect smarter scheduling of background processes, refined thermal management to prevent overheating during heavy use, and more efficient use of CPU and GPU resources.
Another promising aspect of Nothing OS 4.0 is adaptive features that learn from your usage patterns. Over time, the system can recognize which apps you open most, when you typically charge your device, and how you prefer to use your phone throughout the day. By learning these habits, Nothing OS 4.0 can preemptively optimize power usage—delivering juice when you need it and conserving it when you don’t.
For users, all of this translates into real-world benefits. You might find you can make it comfortably through a long day of work, social media, and streaming without scrambling for a charger. Or you might notice your phone stays cooler during gaming sessions.
By combining Android 16’s robust power management with Nothing’s custom refinements, Nothing OS 4.0 is aiming to offer one of the most balanced and thoughtful battery experiences in the smartphone market today.
Beta Testing Before Stable Rollout
Nothing has always embraced an open, community-driven development style, and Nothing OS 4.0 will be no different. Before the stable release arrives this autumn, the company is widely expected to launch an open beta program, giving eager users a chance to explore new features early—and help refine them before they roll out to everyone.
The beta phase will be especially valuable because Nothing OS 4.0 is built on Android 16, which introduces deep system changes and new APIs. By letting early adopters test drive the software, Nothing can quickly identify and squash bugs, improve stability, and fine-tune performance based on real-world feedback.
This isn’t just a formality—Nothing’s community has a track record of offering detailed, constructive input that genuinely shapes the final product. From UI tweaks to performance optimizations, feedback from beta testers often influences how features look and behave by the time the official release lands.
For early adopters, the beta is an opportunity to get hands-on with the latest innovations, from refreshed visuals to smarter battery optimizations and enhanced Glyph Interface controls. It’s a chance to be part of the development journey, not just a passive recipient of updates.
Ultimately, the open beta program underscores Nothing’s commitment to transparency and user-centered design. By putting Nothing OS 4.0 in the hands of the community ahead of schedule, the company shows it’s serious about listening—and delivering an experience that feels polished, stable, and truly tailored to the people who use it every day.
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Focus on Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are no longer optional extras—they’re essential. With Nothing OS 4.0 built on Android 16, users can expect meaningful improvements that go beyond surface-level promises to deliver real control and peace of mind.
One of the biggest upgrades is Android 16’s new privacy dashboards. These dashboards give users a clear, easy-to-understand overview of what data is being accessed by which apps. Instead of hunting through confusing settings, you’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on at a glance.
Nothing OS 4.0 will bring these dashboards to Nothing Phone users in its signature minimalist style, making it even simpler to keep track of sensitive information.
Beyond transparency, the update will offer better permission controls. Users will have more precise ways to grant or deny access to things like location, camera, and microphone. Expect options for one-time permissions, while also having the ability to see which apps have accessed certain permissions recently. Nothing OS 4.0 wants you to feel like you’re in charge of your data, not the other way around.
Encryption and data safety are also getting a serious boost. Android 16’s enhanced encryption ensures that even if your phone is lost or stolen, your personal information stays secure. Nothing will integrate these improvements while adding its own security layers—such as more robust biometric authentication and secure storage for sensitive data.
Altogether, Nothing OS 4.0 is designed to be a trustworthy companion in a digital world where privacy can feel increasingly fragile. By combining Android 16’s cutting-edge security features with Nothing’s design ethos of clarity and control, the update promises to deliver a safer, more private experience without sacrificing ease of use. It’s about giving users the confidence that their device is working for them—not mining their data or leaving them vulnerable.
AI-Powered Features and Smart Tools
As smartphones evolve, AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s fast becoming an essential part of making technology feel personal and effortless. Nothing OS 4.0, built on Android 16, is set to tap into this potential with a suite of AI-powered features designed to make your phone smarter, faster, and more helpful without losing its signature minimalist appeal.
One of the most exciting possibilities is rumored AI-assisted text and camera tools. Imagine your Nothing Phone helping you compose messages with suggested phrasing that actually sounds like you—or automatically improving photos with intelligent, context-aware adjustments. Whether you’re snapping a quick portrait or shooting in low light, these AI tools could help you get the best shot without fiddling with complicated settings.
Personalization is another key area where Nothing OS 4.0 aims to stand out. Android 16 introduces system-level smarts that learn how you use your device—when you check certain apps, how you respond to notifications, what settings you prefer at different times of day.
Nothing plans to build on this foundation, letting Nothing OS 4.0 adapt to you over time. That could mean adjusting notification styles, optimizing battery use for your habits, or even streamlining the home screen so the things you need most are always front and center.
Another intriguing possibility is more on-device AI processing. By keeping these advanced tasks local rather than sending data to the cloud, Nothing OS 4.0 can deliver faster, more private AI features. This would ensure that personalization and smart suggestions don’t come at the cost of your privacy—a perfect match for Nothing’s promise of giving users more control.
In the end, Nothing isn’t chasing AI hype just to tick a box. With Nothing OS 4.0, it’s about using AI thoughtfully to make the phone feel like it truly understands you. It’s about technology that anticipates your needs without intruding, making your day smoother and more connected while staying true to the clean, human-centered design Nothing users love.
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Supported Devices for Nothing OS 4.0
As the launch of Nothing OS 4.0 approaches, one of the biggest questions on users’ minds is: Will my device get the update? The good news is that Nothing has confirmed its commitment to supporting its core lineup, with the Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), and Phone (2a) expected to be the first in line to receive the update. These three models make up the current generation of Nothing smartphones and will likely benefit the most from the Android 16-based upgrade.
To ensure a smooth experience, the rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 will happen gradually. Instead of pushing the update to all devices at once, the company will likely use a phased approach—starting with limited batches, monitoring for any issues, and expanding availability over time. This strategy helps Nothing catch and fix any unexpected bugs or performance hiccups before the update reaches every user, ensuring stability across devices.
For older devices—or users still on older builds—there may be a more staggered rollout. Some features of Nothing OS 4.0, especially those dependent on newer hardware or AI processing, could be limited or missing altogether on older models. This doesn’t mean older phones will be left behind, but users should temper expectations around feature parity.
Still, Nothing has a solid track record of keeping devices up-to-date and responsive to community feedback. The company’s focus on simplicity and speed means that even if an older model doesn’t receive every single enhancement, it will still benefit from the core improvements in security, privacy, and design.
Overall, Nothing OS 4.0 isn’t just a fresh coat of paint—it’s a smart, thoughtful evolution designed with current and loyal users in mind. Whether you’re using the flagship Phone (2) or the more affordable Phone (2a), the update promises to bring meaningful improvements that feel modern, fast, and uniquely Nothing.
Community-Driven Development Approach
One thing that sets Nothing apart in the smartphone world is its genuine commitment to listening to its users—and Nothing OS 4.0 is shaping up to be the clearest expression of that philosophy yet. CEO Carl Pei has been vocal about the company’s focus on transparency and community involvement, promising that feedback from real users won’t just be heard but will actively shape the final product.
This isn’t marketing spin. Nothing’s approach includes dedicated community forums where users can share their experiences, suggest features, and report bugs. These conversations aren’t ignored—they’re studied closely by Nothing’s team to identify real-world needs and pain points.
Ahead of the stable launch this autumn, Nothing OS 4.0 will also go through a beta phase, giving early adopters the chance to try out new features and provide hands-on feedback before the software reaches everyone.
The company knows that no one understands what works—and what doesn’t—better than the people who use Nothing Phones every day. By leaning on this rich feedback loop, Nothing can refine not only the flashy headline features but also the subtle details that define daily use: intuitive navigation, reliable performance, meaningful customization options.
Ultimately, the goal with Nothing OS 4.0 isn’t to overwhelm users with unnecessary gimmicks. It’s to deliver the cleanest, most user-friendly experience yet. That means embracing minimalism while still offering smart features that actually improve life, not complicate it.
By making the development process a true collaboration between company and community, Nothing is working to build an operating system that feels less like a corporate product and more like something designed with you, for you.
