Nothing today announced the public rollout of Nothing OS 4.0, built on Android 16. The company describes the update as “experience-led, fast, and thoughtfully designed.” It builds on OS 3.0 while enhancing speed, consistency, and interaction. According to Nothing, the update focuses on removing friction, with minimalist icons and smoother interactions across the system.
Nothing OS 4.0
The company also noted that Nothing OS 4.0 is a step focused on fundamentals: “Faster responses, cleaner visuals, smoother interactions, and a platform that’s ready for what comes next.” System components have been refined with a coherent UI structure, refreshed iconography, and reworked animations for more responsive navigation.
Refined by User Feedback
Feedback from the Open Beta Test (OBT) shaped the final release. Limited OBT builds focused on specific areas to isolate issues and prioritize improvements. The full rollout includes:
- Updated status bar icons and refreshed first-party app icons
- Deeper Extra Dark Mode coverage
- Cleaner lock screen password interface
- Smoother system animations
User input on multitasking and daily workflow led to:
- Refined Pop-up View with Dual Windows
- 2×2 Quick Settings tiles
- Additional widget sizes
- Ability to hide apps in the App Drawer
Requests for glanceable information resulted in Live Updates on the lock screen and Glyph Interface for rides, deliveries, and timers.
Visuals and Interaction
Everything in Nothing OS 4.0 moves smoothly with refined system physics. Key improvements include:
- Refreshed First-Party Icons: Cleaner, minimalist design for balanced home screen layout
- Refined Status Bar Icons: Wi-Fi, battery, and data indicators updated following Android 16 style
- New Lock Screen Clocks: Two new clock faces with updated fonts and style
- Interaction Animations: Notification Shade, app transitions, and gestures refined for smoother motion
- Haptic Feedback at Limits: Subtle vibration at maximum and minimum volume levels
Functional Flow
The update introduces features aimed at improving focus and efficiency:
- Glyph Progress: Displays live updates for rides, deliveries, and timers across screen and Glyph Interface, expanding compatibility to most supporting apps
- Refined Pop-up View: Supports two floating apps with gesture-based switching
- Extra Dark Mode: Deeper blacks, improved contrast, and reduced power consumption
- Hidden Icons: Apps can be hidden in the App Drawer without moving them to Private Space
- More Widget Sizes: 1×1 and 2×1 layouts for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time
- System and Apps Dashboard: Displays background app activity and allows one-tap performance optimization
- Universal Search Settings: Allows filtered results for faster access
Creativity and AI Features
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces creative and AI-supported tools:
- Playground (Essential Apps): Create widgets using AI without coding
- Widget Drawer: Organizes personal and community widgets for easier access and management
- Essential Memory (Coming Soon): Extends Essential Space and Essential Search by recognizing saved captures and retrieving them via natural queries
Phone (3) Exclusive Features
For Phone (3) users, the update unlocks additional hardware integration:
- Glyph Mirror Selfie: Capture reflections through the Glyph Interface and save directly to Gallery
- Smarter Flip to Glyph: Flip face down to switch between Vibrate or Silent modes
- Pocket Mode: Glyph Matrix disables automatically in pocket to save battery and prevent accidental triggers
- New Glyph Toys: Hourglass for visualizing time, Lunar Cycle for the moon’s real position
Privacy and Transparency
Nothing OS 4.0 includes AI Status Hints & Usage Dashboard, which shows when an LLM is active and tracks usage, providing transparency over AI activity.
Availability
The rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 begins today with the Phone (3) series.
- Over the coming weeks, it will expand to the rest of the Nothing smartphone lineup.
- CMF smartphones are expected to receive the update by the end of the year, while Phone (3a) Lite will follow in early next year.