Nothing has officially started rolling out Nothing OS 4.0, its latest software update based on Android 16. The update brings a cleaner design, better customization, smoother performance, and major improvements to the unique Glyph Interface.
If you own a Nothing smartphone, here’s everything you need to know about the Nothing OS 4.0 update, including supported devices, new features, and why this is a major upgrade.
Nothing OS 4.0: Eligible Devices
The stable rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 (Android 16) has begun for the following models:
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
The update is being released in phases, so it may take a few days to reach all users.
What’s New in Nothing OS 4.0
Nothing OS 4.0 focuses on smooth visuals, smarter notifications, better personalization, and deeper system control. Here are the most important upgrades.
Refreshed Design & Smoother UI
The update brings subtle but noticeable design refinements:
- Updated system and app icons
- Improved status bar clarity
- Two new lock-screen clock styles
- Wallpaper blur effect on the lock-screen PIN screen
- Smoother animations and faster gesture response
Overall, the interface feels cleaner and more polished than before.
Better Customization Options
Nothing OS 4.0 gives users more control over how their phone looks and behaves:
- Ability to hide apps directly from the home screen or app drawer
- Improved app-drawer search with control over what appears in results
- More widget size options for apps like Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time
- Bigger Quick Settings tiles (2×2 layout) for easier access
These changes make daily use more flexible and personal.
Improved Multitasking & Performance
Productivity gets a boost with new tools:
- Pop-up View allows floating apps for easier multitasking
- New App Optimization system improves launch speed for frequently used apps
- Better overall system stability and responsiveness
Apps open faster and switching between tasks feels smoother.
Enhanced Glyph Interface Features
Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface gets smarter with Android 16 integration:
- “Flip to Glyph” can now be set to Silent or Vibrate mode
- Glyph Progress now works with Android 16 Live Updates
- Supported apps can show progress (rides, deliveries, timers) directly via Glyph lights and lock-screen notifications
This makes notifications more useful without constantly checking the screen.
Camera & Media Improvements
The camera app also sees meaningful upgrades:
- New camera preset styles and filters
- Filter intensity control for better creative freedom
- Longer Motion Photos with audio support
- Optional watermark feature
- Cleaner and more intuitive camera UI
Great news for users who enjoy photography and video recording.
Extra Dark Mode for Better Night Viewing
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces a deeper Extra Dark Mode, offering:
- Darker blacks and improved contrast
- More comfortable viewing in low light
- Potential battery savings on OLED displays
The mode applies across system apps for a consistent dark theme.
Playground (Alpha): Community-Driven Features
A new Playground (Alpha) section allows users to explore community-created content, including:
- Camera presets
- EQ sound profiles
- Mini apps and widgets
- Experimental customization tools
This keeps the OS evolving with user creativity at its core.
📌 Should You Update to Nothing OS 4.0?
Yes. The Nothing OS 4.0 update offers:
- A smoother and cleaner Android 16 experience
- Better customization and multitasking
- Smarter notifications with Glyph improvements
- Enhanced camera features and dark mode
Before updating, it’s recommended to back up important data to avoid any issues.
FAQs: Nothing OS 4.0 Update
Is Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16?
Yes, Nothing OS 4.0 is built on Android 16.
Which phones are getting Nothing OS 4.0?
Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus.
What is the biggest upgrade in Nothing OS 4.0?
The improved Glyph Interface, smoother UI, and better customization options.
Is the update available for everyone now?
The rollout is phased, so it may take time to reach all devices.
Final Verdict
The Nothing OS 4.0 Android 16 update is one of the most refined updates from Nothing so far. It improves everyday usability while staying true to Nothing’s clean and minimal design philosophy. If you receive the update notification, it’s definitely worth installing.
