The countdown is on! Nothing, the tech brand founded by former OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, is preparing to launch its next big software upgrade—Nothing OS 4.0. Based on Android 16, this highly anticipated update promises to transform the way you use your Nothing smartphone, especially the upcoming Nothing Phone (3).
Set to release between September and November 2025, Nothing OS 4.0 is packed with smarter AI features, deeper Glyph integration, better personalization options, and record-breaking update support. If you’re curious about what’s coming, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the update.
🚀 What Is Nothing OS 4.0?
Nothing OS 4.0 is the company’s fourth major software release, built directly on top of Android 16. Unlike traditional Android skins like MIUI, One UI, or ColorOS, Nothing OS takes a minimalist, clean, and modern approach that focuses on speed, simplicity, and design consistency.
But this isn’t just about looks—it’s about making your phone smarter, faster, and more personal. Nothing OS 4.0 builds on the foundation laid by OS 3.5 and brings a fresh design language while improving stability and battery performance.
🔥 Nothing OS 4.0 Key Features
1. 🤖 AI-Powered Smarts
Artificial Intelligence is at the core of Nothing OS 4.0. Here’s how AI changes the user experience:
- Contextual AI Suggestions → Automatically recommend quick actions like opening maps during commutes or adjusting brightness in low-light conditions.
- Faster UI Performance → Optimized background processes make multitasking smoother than ever.
- Smart Automation → Automate daily tasks like enabling DND at bedtime or turning on Battery Saver at specific battery levels.
With Android 16 + AI, the goal is to make your Nothing phone feel like it knows you better.
2. 🌟 Enhanced Glyph Interface
One of Nothing’s defining features is its Glyph LED interface on the back. With Nothing OS 4.0, this gets an even bigger upgrade, thanks to the Glyph Matrix API v2.
Now the LED system is more than just a notification light. Here’s what you can do with it:
- Interactive Widgets – Simple tools controlled directly via LED light sequences.
- Custom Notifications – Assign unique light patterns for apps, calls, or even specific contacts.
- Mini Games – Developers can add fun interactive experiences using Glyph LEDs.
- Real-Time Updates – Track downloads, charging levels, or timers directly from the back panel.
The Glyph system isn’t just design anymore—it’s actual functionality at your fingertips.
3. 🎨 Personalized UI & Design Upgrades
Nothing has always believed in a design-first philosophy, and OS 4.0 takes this forward. The update introduces:
- Customizable Lock Screen – Choose clock styles, shortcuts, and wallpapers.
- Dynamic Widgets – Smart widgets adapt over time and change based on your habits.
- Revamped Quick Settings – More functional, cleaner, and easier to access.
- Smoother Animations – Faster transitions with fluid motion design.
4. 🔐 Long-Term Update Commitment
Nothing is challenging Samsung and Google head-on when it comes to update policies. With OS 4.0, the company is offering:
- 5 years of major OS updates
- 7 years of security patches
This ensures your Nothing Phone remains secure, fast, and relevant for many years—something even flagship phones struggle to match.
5. 📱 Supported Devices
The rollout will begin with the Nothing Phone (3) in late autumn 2025. Here’s how updates are expected:
- First Device → Nothing Phone (3), shipping initially with OS 3.5 (Android 15) and later upgraded to OS 4.0.
- Next Devices → Nothing Phone (2) and Nothing Phone (2a).
- Beta Program → Open Beta begins weeks before the stable release, letting fans test new features early.
Past Nothing rollouts have been quick and efficient, and OS 4.0 is expected to follow the same pace.
6. 🧪 Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta
For tech enthusiasts, the open beta of OS 4.0 is one of the most exciting parts. Expected to launch a few weeks ahead of the stable build, the beta will allow users to:
- Test experimental features before anyone else.
- Report bugs and performance issues.
- Provide real-world feedback that shapes the stable version.
If you love being ahead of the curve, joining the beta will give you a hands-on Android 16 experience.
7. 🌐 Android 16 Features You’ll Get With OS 4.0
Since Nothing OS 4.0 is based on Android 16, you’ll also enjoy all the stock Android benefits, including:
- Advanced Privacy Controls → Manage data permissions on a much deeper level.
- Better Multitasking Tools → Faster app switching and floating window updates.
- Improved Battery Efficiency → Smarter resource management for heavy apps.
- Cross-Device Syncing → Easier pairing with headsets, tablets, and laptops.
- Seamless Multi-Screen Experience → Android 16 improves dual-display workflows for higher productivity.
8. 🎧 Nothing Headphones 1 — The Bonus Surprise
Alongside the OS announcement, Nothing also dropped a hardware bombshell—its first over-ear headphones, named Nothing Headphones 1.
Featuring bold transparent design, immersive sound, and seamless OS integration, these headphones are designed to pair perfectly with Nothing OS 4.0. They’ll sync well with both Phone (3) and other Nothing devices, enhancing the overall ecosystem.
📅 Release Timeline of Nothing OS 4.0
Here’s a quick breakdown of when to expect Nothing OS 4.0:
- September 2025 – Open Beta launch for Phone (3).
- October 2025 – Wider Beta expansion to Phone (2) and Phone (2a).
- November 2025 – Stable Global Release for Phone (3).
- Winter 2025/26 – Other Nothing devices join the stable rollout.
🌍 Why Nothing OS 4.0 Matters in 2025
The Android ecosystem is crowded with software skins, but Nothing OS 4.0 stands out because it isn’t just about “adding features.” The aim is to strike a balance between:
- Minimalist, distraction-free UI
- Powerful AI-driven tools
- Exclusive integration with Glyph hardware
- Extended software support
By bringing fresh innovation while supporting longevity, Nothing OS 4.0 positions itself as a serious competitor to Samsung One UI 7 and Google Pixel UI in 2025.
✅ Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade to Nothing OS 4.0?
If you own a Nothing phone, the answer is a resounding YES. With AI-powered performance, deeper personalization, extended updates, and an upgraded Glyph system, Nothing OS 4.0 isn’t just a software update—it’s a major leap forward.
And if you’ve been considering stepping into the Nothing ecosystem, the Phone (3) + OS 4.0 combo makes for the perfect entry point in late 2025.
Nothing OS 4.0 shows that Carl Pei’s vision for the brand is bigger than just cool-looking phones. It’s about building a future-ready Android ecosystem that blends design, functionality, and durability—something fans have been craving in the smartphone world.
