Nothing OS 4.0 lands between September and November 2025 with Android 16, smarter notifications, AI-powered suggestions, and a more customizable look. The Nothing Phone (3) gets it first, followed by other recent models.
Introduction
If you’re into clean, distraction-free smartphone experiences, the upcoming Nothing OS 4.0 update is worth keeping on your radar. Built on Android 16 and crafted by Carl Pei’s Nothing team, this release brings a fresh twist to how you use your phone—keeping things simple without stripping away useful features.
First unveiled alongside the Nothing Phone (3) in July 2025, Nothing OS 4.0 blends the brand’s signature minimalist style with practical tools that make everyday tasks smoother, your data safer, and your phone feel more personal. It even draws inspiration from community-driven ideas—like the “All-New Focus” concept on the Nothing Community—showing how user feedback shapes the experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Nothing OS 4.0 release date, supported devices, and standout features, plus how they actually fit into your day-to-day—whether you’re working, staying secure, or customizing your device.
Want to catch up on the hardware? Check out our in-depth reviews of the Nothing Phone (2) and the Nothing Phone (3) to see how the devices set the stage for this update.
When Will Nothing OS 4.0 Arrive?
The Nothing OS 4.0 release date is expected to fall between September and November 2025, as shared by Carl Pei during the Nothing Phone (3) launch. A Nothing OS 4.0 beta program kicks off in early August 2025 for Nothing Phone (3) users, with a closed beta running through September. The stable Nothing OS 4.0 update should roll out shortly after, likely by late October or early November. This timeline aligns with Android 16’s release, showing Nothing’s commitment to keeping your Nothing phone software current without long delays.
For users who depend on their phones for work or personal tasks, this quick rollout means you’ll get Android 16 features like improved notifications and security sooner. The Nothing Phone (3) will be the first to receive the Nothing Phone 3 update, followed by other eligible devices in a phased rollout.
Nothing OS 4.0 launches between September and November 2025, with a closed beta starting in August 2025 for Nothing Phone (3). Expect the stable version by late October or November.
- Closed beta: August 2025 (Nothing Phone 3 only)
- Stable rollout: Late October to early November
This quick turnaround means you’ll get Android 16 features like smarter notifications and upgraded security sooner — starting with the Nothing Phone (3) and rolling out in phases to other models.
Which Devices Will Get Nothing OS 4.0?
Nothing is ensuring a wide range of its devices stay updated with Nothing OS 4.0, though the Nothing Phone (1) won’t receive this update, having already completed its three major Android updates (from Android 12 to 15). This means newer devices like the Nothing Phone (3) or Phone (2a) will stay fresh for years, offering both Nothing OS updates and long-term security patches.
Not every Nothing device will make the cut — the Nothing Phone (1) has already had its three major Android updates. But here’s who’s in:
Device | Update Details |
| Nothing Phone (3) | First to receive Nothing OS 4.0 beta and stable update, ensuring early access to Android 16 features. |
| Nothing Phone (3a) & (3a) Pro | Follows Nothing Phone (3), ideal for users wanting Nothing Phone performance on mid-range devices. |
| CMF Phone 2 Pro | Receives CMF Phone 2 Pro update after (3a) models, keeping budget devices current. |
Nothing Phone (2a) & (2a) Plus | Updates based on release date, supporting value-driven users with Nothing OS customization. |
| Nothing Phone (2) | Final major Nothing Phone 2 update, with security patches for years, great for long-term users. |
| CMF Phone 1 | Last major CMF Phone 1 update, with extended security support for budget users. |
Nothing promises five major Android updates for the Nothing Phone (3) and seven years of security patches, while other devices get three major updates and extended Nothing Phone security support. This ensures your phone stays safe and functional, whether you’re handling sensitive work apps or personal data.
The Nothing Phone (3) leads with five major updates and seven years of security patches, while other devices like Nothing Phone (2a) and CMF Phone 1 get three major updates, ensuring long- term reliability.
What’s New in Nothing OS 4.0? Features That Matter to You
Nothing OS 4.0 builds on Android 16, blending Nothing’s signature minimalist design with practical tools inspired by community ideas like the “All-New Focus” concept. They’re built to tackle everyday annoyances—whether that’s staying organized, protecting your data, or making your phone truly yours. Here’s how Nothing OS 4.0 enhances your daily experience.
Smarter Notifications to Cut Through the Noise
If you’re juggling messages, work alerts, or delivery updates, notifications can quickly clutter your screen. If you’ve ever missed an important message because it got buried under a flood of alerts, you’ll appreciate Android 16’s auto-grouping. Nothing OS 4.0 takes it a step further with dot-matrix animations, so you can instantly see what’s worth opening and what can wait.
For example, group chat spam won’t overwhelm your Nothing OS lock screen—you’ll see a single, animated bundle instead. The community-driven “All-New Focus” concept suggests notification grouping by priority or app type, which could make managing alerts even more intuitive for busy professionals or students.
Whether you’re rushing to a meeting or checking updates on the go, this feature saves time by keeping your Nothing phone software organized and distraction-free.
Upgraded Apps for Everyday Efficiency
Nothing OS 4.0 refines built-in apps like Gallery, Weather, and Camera to streamline your tasks. The Gallery app, already 25% faster than Google Photos, could get AI smarts to auto-organize your photos, making it easier to find the shot you need in seconds. The Weather app could feature dot-matrix animations for live weather updates, helping you plan your day with a quick glance. Camera upgrades mean faster shots and smarter editing, perfect for capturing moments without hassle.
These improvements save time for users who rely on their phone for quick photo edits, weather checks, or managing media on the go.
Live Updates for Deliveries and Rides
Tracking food orders or rideshares shouldn’t mean constantly opening apps. Nothing OS 4.0 brings Android 16’s live updates to your Nothing OS lock screen or notification panel, showing real-time delivery or ride status. For instance, you’ll see your pizza’s progress without unlocking your phone, reducing app-switching stress during a busy day.
This feature is a lifesaver for multitaskers who need quick updates without disrupting their workflow.
Material 3 Design for a Personalized Look
Love personalizing your phone? Android 16’s Material 3 brings smooth animations and layouts you can tweak, and Nothing OS 4.0 makes it all fit the brand’s black-and-white style without losing that minimal, clean look.
You can tweak app icons, widgets, or Nothing OS lock screen elements to match your style, making your phone feel personal without complex setup. (From the Nothing Community — concept stage) The “All-New Focus” idea proposes full-screen app folders and a page editor for cleaner home screen layouts. It’s not confirmed yet, but if it ships, onboarding could feel a lot smoother.
Users who value Nothing OS customization can create a clean, intuitive interface that fits their daily routine, whether for work or leisure.
AI Tools to Anticipate Your Needs
Nothing OS AI integration builds on earlier experiments like Essential Space and Essential Search, offering suggestions based on your habits. For example, it might pull up your calendar before a meeting or organize apps for quicker access. Integration with Google’s Gemini AI could speed up searches for files or web info, helping students or professionals find what they need fast. (Community concept — not yet conffrmed) One popular idea is “Focus Spaces,” full-screen app folders tailored for tasks like work or study. If implemented, this could boost productivity by keeping distractions out of sight.
These tools make your Nothing phone performance smarter, saving time for users with packed schedules or multiple projects.
Robust Security with Android Protection
Security is critical for anyone handling sensitive data. Nothing OS 4.0 adopts Android 16’s Android Protection, which guards against harmful apps, scam calls, and risky websites. Nothing adds its own privacy settings, giving you more control over your data. This is especially useful for users who shop online or manage work emails on their phone.
Nothing phone security features ensure peace of mind, letting you use your device confidently in any scenario.
Glyph Matrix: Interactive and Fun
The Glyph Interface on the Nothing Phone (3) evolves with the Glyph Matrix API, allowing developers to create interactive widgets, mini-games, or notifications using the phone’s LED lights. For example, the LEDs could pulse to show an incoming call or light up to track delivery progress, as suggested by Android 16’s live alerts. (Concept stage — not offfcially conffrmed) The “All-New Focus” idea also imagines Glyph integration with priority notifications, so you’d get visual alerts without needing to check your screen. While exclusive to the Nothing Phone (3), older Glyph-equipped phones may get minor updates.
This feature adds a playful, glanceable way to stay updated, perfect for users who want quick info without unlocking their device.
Additional Features for a Seamless Experience
| Feature | What It Does for You |
|---|---|
| Lock Screen & Home Screen | New widgets, clock styles, and app icon controls for a tailored setup. |
| Quick Settings Panel | Compact buttons and a smarter brightness slider for quick adjustments. |
| Interactive Dot Animation | Dot-style visuals across apps for a cohesive, engaging experience. |
| Private Space Integration | Hide or clone apps for privacy, ideal for work-personal separation. |
| Cross-Device Integration | Faster connections to Nothing headphones or Tesla features. |
Nothing OS 4.0 brings smarter notifications, upgraded apps, live updates, Material 3 design, AI tools, Android Protection, and an enhanced Glyph Interface. Features like “Focus Spaces” from community concepts make your phone more intuitive and productive.
Why Nothing OS 4.0 Stands Out
It’s not just another update — it’s a thoughtful mix of Android 16’s power and Nothing’s unique design. Whether confirmed or still in the concept stage, the direction is clear: fewer distractions, smarter tools, and a look that stays true to Nothing’s brand.
Your Turn
That’s everything we know — and hope — for Nothing OS 4.0 so far. Some features, like “Focus Spaces” and deeper Glyph integration, are still in the concept stage, but they’re exciting possibilities to watch.
Which Nothing OS 4.0 feature are you most curious about? Do you think the community concepts will make it into the final build? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’ll be back after the official launch to compare what we hoped for vs. what we got. In the meantime, I’ll be replying to early comments, so let’s start the conversation now.
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