Nothing OS 4.0 rollout begins after weeks of beta testing: All you need to know

Nothing has officially announced the rollout of its highly anticipated update, Nothing OS 4.0, which is based on Android 16. This significant software release is set to commence on Friday, November 21, following an extensive beta testing phase that began in late October. The company has emphasized that this update is a crucial element of its AI-first strategy. In a message posted on the Nothing Community site, the company expressed gratitude to its testers for their valuable feedback, indicating that the software is now ready for public use. A brief post on social media platform X further highlighted the launch, stating: "Nothing OS 4.0. Let your phone bring flow to your life. General Release. 21 Nov." While Nothing has not provided a complete list of devices that will receive the update, the handsets that participated in the open beta offer clues about the first devices in line. Expected to receive the update from day one are the Nothing Phone 2, Phone 3, and models within the Phone 2a and 3a series. Users can also anticipate support for additional models, including the upcoming Phone 3a Lite. The update is expected to extend to devices under the company’s CMF sub-brand, which also runs Nothing OS and is covered by ongoing software update commitments. The new release brings a combination of enhancements from Android 16 alongside unique features from Nothing. Among the key updates are Extra Dark Mode, a Pop-Up View for floating windows, a new 2×2 Quick Settings tile, and various lock screen clock designs. Additionally, the update introduces Essential Apps and user-generated widgets that can be shared on the Nothing Playground platform. The Nothing Phone 2 series will also gain access to the “Stretch” camera feature, originally found on the Phone 3, along with the new Lock Glimpse function. Notably, after receiving feedback earlier this year, Nothing has confirmed that the Lock Glimpse feature will be off by default on the Phone 3a models. As the general release begins this Friday, users of supported devices can expect the update to roll out gradually over the subsequent days. Nothing OS 4.0 represents the company’s most substantial software update this year, delivering a refreshed user interface, AI-driven tools, and enhanced customization options across the Nothing ecosystem.