Nothing OS 4.0 Update: A Seamless Android 16 Experience with Enhanced AI and UI Features

Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, is rolling out to eligible Nothing Phone models, delivering a refined and feature-packed user experience. This update focuses on smoother performance, smarter AI integrations, and enhanced customization options that keep Nothing’s trademark minimalist design intact. With a global phased rollout beginning in late November 2025, users of Nothing Phone 3, 3a, 3a Pro, 2, 2a, and 2a Plus can expect to experience comprehensive improvements that boost usability and privacy.

The key highlight of Nothing OS 4.0 update is its deeply immersive Extra Dark Mode, designed to provide better contrast, reduce power consumption, and offer eye comfort in low-light conditions. This mode extends beyond system settings to include core apps like Essential Space and Launcher. Alongside the dark theme, the update introduces two new lock screen clock faces, a refreshed app drawer with options to hide apps in one step, and newly designed icons that enhance visual clarity throughout the interface.

Multitasking gets a boost with the new Pop-up View, allowing up to two apps to float simultaneously with intuitive swipe gestures to switch between them. This feature streamlines workflow without the need to switch back and forth between full-screen apps, a welcome addition for productivity enthusiasts. The Glyph Interface also receives improvements with Android 16’s Live Update notifications, powering the Glyph Progress feature that shows real-time updates such as ride status and timers directly on the phone’s unique rear light display.

Privacy and control are central to this update with the introduction of an AI Usage Dashboard, which transparently tracks how AI features operate on the device. This empowers users with the ability to manage and disable AI-powered functionalities if desired, aligning with Nothing’s commitment to user autonomy. Moreover, the update includes a Lock Glimpse feature that offers curated wallpapers with zero personal data collection, enhancing privacy.

Photography enthusiasts benefit from a redesigned camera UI featuring new presets, including the cinematic “Stretch” mode developed with photographer Jordan Hemingway. Enhanced shadows and highlights bring out richer images while new watermarks and artistic frames add creative flair. The Gallery app also gains smarter organization tools and the ability to save original photos alongside edited versions with the new Glyph Mirror Selfie feature.

Additional refinements in Nothing OS 4.0 include clearer status bar icons, a wallpaper blur effect on the lock screen password page, and more fluid transition animations to heighten the overall polish. Widget customization improves with various size options for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time widgets, adapting to personal preferences. Quick Settings tiles become larger and easier to access, complementing the update’s goal of making everyday interactions effortless.

The update supports user convenience with setting adjustments such as letting users choose whether flipping the phone triggers Silent or Vibrate mode via the Flip to Glyph control. Additionally, improved Pocket Mode prevents accidental touches, and new Glyph Toys add playful interaction possibilities with the phone’s signature Glyph lights.

Nothing OS 4.0 is designed to bring a seamless “Flow” experience that balances aesthetic simplicity with powerful new functionalities. The rollout is among the fastest for Android 16, reflecting Nothing’s dedication to prompt updates. Users can expect faster animations, enhanced battery management, and stronger security features typical of the underlying Android 16 system. Those yet to receive the update can look forward to its arrival on remaining devices soon, including the upcoming Phone 3a Lite.

In summary, Nothing OS 4.0 is a significant upgrade that delivers elevated AI capabilities, sophisticated UI enhancements, and enriched camera functions, all wrapped in a sleek, minimalist design. This update not only enhances visual appeal but also delivers practical tools for better privacy, multitasking, and daily usability—making it a must-have for Nothing Phone users seeking the latest in Android innovation.