The Nothing OS 4.0 update is arriving on Nothing Phone 3 starting today. This is the big Android 16 that hasn’t been worked through several betas, some of which have been controversial for their other devices. For this flagship 3, the update is bloatware-free and packed with improvements and new features.
None has released a video showing the changes and we’ve included that below, along with a lengthy changelog.
Let us know if your Phone 3 sees the update.
There is no update to OS 4.0
Updated visuals
- Updated first-party icons: Native app icons now feature a clearer, simpler design. The home screen looks balanced, modern and comfortable to use.
- Improved status bar icons: Status bar icons such as Wi-Fi, battery, and data indicators now follow a cohesive visual style inspired by Android 16. The streamlined design reduces noise, making status information easier to check at a glance.
- New lock screen clocks: We’ve updated the clock fonts and style, and introduced two new clock faces. Both feature a nerdy, futuristic aesthetic that stays true to our bold design language.
Live updates via the Glyph interface
- Live updates deliver real-time flight, delivery and timing information directly to your screen and the Glyph interface, unifying lock screen, notifications and light-based signals so you can track progress instantly without opening the app.
- Any app that supports Android 16’s live updates feature will now start supporting Nothing’s Glyph Progress. This means that nothing can support more applications than before.
Extra dark mode
- Enhanced Extra Dark Mode deepens blacks, improves contrast, and reduces power use across the system.
- It brings a calmer, more focused look to notifications, quick settings, and the app drawer, enhancing comfort and low-light visibility.
- It now extends to first-party apps like Essential Space and Launcher, with broader integration coming later.
Interactive animation
- Nothing OS 4.0 enhances how the system feels on the move. Every touch, swipe, and gesture now responds with greater depth and haptics.
- Haptic feedback is within volume: When adjusting the volume, precise haptic feedback now appears at the maximum and minimum points. It gives you instant physical response, even when you’re not looking at the screen.
- App opening and closing animation: Opening and closing apps is now more seamless and immersive. The home screen wallpaper gently scales in or out, creating a sense of depth and connection that makes every transition feel alive.
- Improved notification interactions: Every movement carries a precise sense of heft and bounce, creating a smooth and responsive flow throughout the interface.
More widget sizes
- Design your home screen your way. New 1×1 and 2×1 layouts for weather, pedometer, and screen time let you create a balanced setup that highlights what matters most while keeping minimal space.
Pop-up display
- You can now open two floating apps at once and switch between them with simple gestures. Swipe up from the bottom to zoom out or swipe down to expand to full screen.
Hidden icons
- Keep your layout clean and personal. You can hide any app from your app drawer while keeping it accessible with just a swipe. It’s an easy way to simplify your home screen and create a setup that reflects your style.
Optimize system and applications
- New system control panel and apps help your phone stay smooth and responsive. It shows which apps are running in the background and lets you improve performance with one click. Everything stays fast, efficient and consistent, without you having to think about it.
Phone 3 exclusively
- Glyph Mirror Selfie: Capture a reflection of yourself matrix style via the Glyph interface. An additional Glyph Mirror selfie can be saved directly to the gallery, making it easy to share your awesome selfies with friends or use them as your social media profile picture.
- Flip to Glyph smarter: Choose between vibrate or silent modes when you turn your phone face down. This gives you just the right level of awareness in the moment, whether you need full focus or subtle notifications.
- Pocket Mode: The Glyph Matrix is now automatically disabled in your pocket. This saves battery power and prevents accidental power-on, so your phone is ready when you are.
- New Glyph Games: Two new time-themed games. The Hourglass helps you visualize the passage of time, while the Lunar Cycle shows the true position of the Moon above you.
