Ahead of its open beta launch, which is coming soon, Nothing is excited to showcase its latest Android 16 update, known as Nothing OS 4.0. This update introduces a range of new features and design enhancements that aim to elevate the user experience. Announced alongside the Phone (3) earlier this year, the design details of Nothing OS 4.0 have been eagerly anticipated. Now, through a new post and video, Nothing is revealing the exciting updates that come with this major release.
At its core, Nothing OS 4.0 is primarily a visual update designed to provide a sharper and more thoughtful aesthetic across every layer of the interface. Notable improvements include new lock screen clocks and an updated Quick Settings panel, which enhances accessibility and usability. Additionally, there are several tweaks throughout Nothing’s apps, ensuring a cohesive and polished look across the board.
One of the standout features of Nothing OS 4.0 is the introduction of an “Extra Dark” theme. This theme offers a true black color palette that contrasts sharply with Android's typical dark grey theme, providing a more immersive experience for users who prefer darker aesthetics. This feature not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps in saving battery life on OLED screens.
Multitasking capabilities are set to receive a significant upgrade with the inclusion of floating app icons, allowing users to interact with multiple applications seamlessly. Furthermore, Nothing promises improvements in overall performance and camera functionality, with enhancements driven by the new TrueLens Engine. These upgrades are expected to deliver a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Another innovative addition to Nothing OS 4.0 is the new AI dashboard. This feature provides users with insights into how they are utilizing Nothing’s AI capabilities. It breaks down which AI models are being employed, such as Whisper, GPT-4o, and Gemini Flash, offering transparency and control over AI interactions.
While Nothing has announced that the rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 will occur “soon,” a specific date has yet to be confirmed. Initially, the update is likely to launch for the Phone (3), with plans to extend compatibility to the Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (3a), and the CMF phones in line with Nothing's current support commitments.
In addition to the upcoming OS update, Nothing has ambitious plans for the future, including the development of its own operating system for phones and beyond, with the first ‘AI-native devices’ expected to debut in 2026. Keep an eye out for more updates, including teasers for the Nothing Ear (3), which promises features like a ‘talk’ button and a ‘Super Mic’ integrated into a new metal case.
For those interested in a detailed exploration of the Nothing Phone (3), a recent teardown revealed its surprisingly sturdy and repairable design. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Nothing as they continue to innovate in the tech space.
