Two more smartphones receive the stable Nothing OS 4.0 update based on Android 16

Nothing released the stable Nothing OS 4.0 update based on Android 16 for Nothing Phone (3) last week, and now the rollout has expanded to two more smartphones: Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.

Nothing OS 4.0 includes new features, visual improvements, camera improvements, and more. You can read the changelog below for more details.

• New features
  • Added AI usage dashboard. When using Essential Space, it automatically tracks the use of large AI models for greater privacy transparency. Path: Settings > Intelligence Toolkit > Using AI.
  • Hiding apps directly from the home screen and app drawer is now supported. Find hidden apps via: Home Screen > App Drawer > Hidden Icons.
  • Search scope management is now supported in the app drawer to view results in a specific scope.
  • Added more size options for the Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time widgets.
  • The 2×2 size is now supported for most QuickSettings tiles.
  • The popup view now supports two floating icons for easier switching.
  • The system update supports app optimization to improve startup speed. Path: Settings > Apps > App Optimization.
• Essential innovations
  • Flip to Record now lets you take photos and add notes while recording, all stored together for easy access in Essential Space.
  • Introducing Playground (Alpha): Come experience the community’s unique creations, including essential apps, camera presets, and EQ profiles.
  • Essential apps (Alpha) are now open for download. Enjoy community-built, AI-powered apps that combine creativity and efficiency.
• Visual improvements
  • Nothing app icons have been redesigned with a completely new and fresh look.
  • Updated status bar icons with a more intuitive look.
  • Added 2 new clock faces on the lock screen in Personalization.
  • Extra dark mode is now available, offering a more immersive dark style. Path: Settings > Display > Dark Theme > Extra Dark Mode.
  • Improved transition animations in certain scenarios for a smoother and smoother experience.
• Glyph interface
  • Added a setting to choose whether Flip on Glyph switches the phone to Silent or Vibrate mode.
  • Glyph Progress now uses Android 16 Live Update notifications for better compatibility with third-party apps.
• Camera improvements
  • Presets: Updated preset list with new popular styles.
  • Filters: Added intensity adjustment and unique “Stretch” styles.
  • Motion Photo: Supports longer recording and audio capture times.
  • Watermarks: New Nothing brand watermarks and artistic frames introduced.
  • Interface: Updated camera UI design with optimized interactions.

Nothing says the stable Nothing OS 4.0 release will roll out to a limited number of Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro users, and a wider rollout will begin if the initial release goes smoothly.

No Phone (3rd) Pro

It’s also worth noting that users need to update Essential Space to the latest version to take advantage of the improved Flip to Record feature. Additionally, it is recommended to back up your data before installing the Nothing OS 4.0 update.

No Phone (3rd)