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Nothing begins teaser campaign for Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16
Nothing has started hyping its next major software release: Nothing OS 4.0, built on Android 16. Google shipped Android 16 in June, and Nothing previously said the Phone (3) would receive the upgrade "later this autumn" following its July launch. Today the company pushed a short teaser across social channels offering an early look at refreshed icons and promising a "refined" and "redefined" user experience.
Which devices will get Nothing OS 4.0?
As expected, the Nothing Phone (3) is positioned as the first device to receive the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 update. The company confirmed that the original Nothing Phone (1), launched in July 2022, has reached the end of its promised three-year software update window and will not receive the full Nothing OS 4.0 release.
Product features and UI changes
From the teaser, Nothing OS 4.0 appears to focus on visual refinement and iconography — a cleaner, more cohesive look that leverages Android 16 system improvements. Expect incremental performance optimizations, updated system UI elements, and continued emphasis on Nothing’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Key talking points for the release include:
Notable features (anticipated)
- Native Android 16 benefits: improved privacy controls, efficiency enhancements, and platform-level APIs.
- Visual redesign: refreshed icons and tighter UI consistency across system apps and widgets.
- Performance and battery tuning optimized for Nothing hardware.
- Ongoing security updates for eligible devices.
Comparison and advantages
Compared with Nothing OS 3.x, version 4.0 will likely emphasize smoother animations, tighter Android integration, and better app compatibility with Android 16. For consumers choosing between Nothing devices, the Phone (3) will offer the latest software advantages, while Phone (1) owners should rely on the remaining security updates and any program Nothing announces for "day-one" users.
Use cases and market relevance
For tech enthusiasts and professionals, Nothing OS 4.0 represents both a software refresh and a statement of the brand’s direction: prioritize clean design, timely Android updates, and a curated user experience. For the market, delivering Android 16 quickly to flagship hardware like the Phone (3) reinforces Nothing's competitiveness against other Android OEMs that emphasize fast OTA updates and long-term support.
What’s next?
Nothing hasn’t shared a firm rollout timeline beyond the teaser. We’ll monitor official channels for OTA dates, developer notes, and details on the promised program for Phone (1) "day-one" customers. If Nothing follows its prior cadence, beta testing or staged rollouts could appear first for Phone (3), followed by wider distribution.
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