- Staggered launch: starts on the Phone (3) and will arrive later on the rest of the Nothing; CMF phones later.
- Based on Android 16: smoother interface, new icons, Extra Dark Mode and improved animations.
- Live Updates + Glyph: real-time notifications and expansion of Glyph Progress to more apps.
- AI and personalization: Nothing Playground, creation of Essential Apps and new widget sizes.
The Nothing OS 4.0 update is now official and its rollout has begun, based on Android 16With a focus on refining the experience: greater visual consistency, improved animations, and new customization features. The company maintains its design identity but adds practical, everyday tweaks without resorting to unnecessary frills.
The rollout begins gradually and, as is usually the case, the first wave focuses on the NothingPhone (3)From there, the software will gradually reach the rest of Nothing's catalog in Europe —including Spain— and, in a later phase, devices from the CMF brand.
What is Nothing OS 4.0 and when is it coming?
Built on OS 3.0, Nothing OS 4.0 aims for a system more refinedconnected and intelligent. The company places the starting point in the Telephone (3) and confirms a staggered distribution for the remaining models. In the case of CMF, its turn will come towards the end of the cycle, with some specific models such as the Phone (3a) Lite planned for the beginning of the next period.
Although Nothing has not detailed the final list of devices that will receive the OTA update first, the beta version of Android 16 was available for Phone (2), Phone (3), Phone (2a) and (2a) PlusIn addition to the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, it's reasonable to expect these devices to be among the next to be updated once the initial phase with the Phone (3) is complete.
Main system updates
Visually, the update renews system icons and the status bar indicators for improved readability. New features are also arriving. clocks for the lock screen and a more ambitious dark mode that is integrated throughout the interface.
The new Extra Dark Mode It intensifies blacks, increases contrast, and helps reduce power consumption across the system. It affects key elements such as Notifications, Quick Settings, and the App Drawerand is already being applied in its own apps such as Essential Space and Launcher, with expansion plans in place.
Navigation becomes more natural thanks to revised animations A more consistent touch response. Opening and closing apps adds a subtle sense of depth, making everything look and feel smoother.
- A small haptic touch upon reaching the volume limitto confirm without looking at the screen.
- Transitions smoother when opening/closing apps with home screen background adaptation.
- Displacements in notifications with a subtle elasticity that provides continuity.
Glyph and Live Updates: real-time information
One of the system's bets is the deep integration Live Updates with the Glyph interfaceThe idea is to be able to track routes, deliveries, or timers in real time without opening applications, both on the lock screen and on the device's rear lights.
Thanks to the Android 16 APIs, Glyph Progress It stops depending on one-off agreements and opens up to a wider range of compatible apps.This transforms the lights into a useful information channel, not just an aesthetic element, with tracking clear and continuous of the relevant events.
Multitasking and more customization options
Multitasking is enhanced by Pop-up Viewwhich now allows you to keep two floating windows simultaneously. With simple gestures, you can minimize them to the top or switch to full screen, making it easy to switch tasks without losing your place.
For those seeking order, the system adds the option of hide icons in the app drawer without losing access with a gesture. Furthermore, Nothing expands the widget sizes with new 1x1 and 2x1 formats — for example, Weather, Pedometer or Screen Time — to keep your home screen clean and functional.
AI, Essential Apps and the new Playground
The most creative side comes with Nothing Playground, an environment where you can describe what you need and the system generates Essential Apps automatically through the Widget Builder. These “mini-apps” are integrated as functional widgets and saved in the new Widget Drawera centralized library to keep everything organized.
Within this approach, Nothing also works on functions such as Essential MemoryThis feature is designed to understand and retrieve content stored in Essential Space using natural language searches. The goal is for the phone to better adapt to the context and do the heavy lifting for you.
Exclusive improvements for the Phone (3)
The flagship device receives extras designed to push the hardware to its limits. Among them are more advanced controls for Flip to Glyph, a Optimized Pocket Mode to avoid accidental touches and new Glyph Toys — such as Hourglass or Lunar Cycle — that expand the options for visual expression.
In addition, Glyph Mirror Selfie evolves to save original photo Along with the mirrored version, which allows you to compare results and decide which one you prefer without losing the initial shot.
Calendar in Spain and Europe, and nuances on privacy
In our market, the update will arrive via OTA in stages. If you have a Telephone (3)The download may appear now or in the next few days; the rest of Nothing's models will be added in batches, while CMF devices They will have their turn later.
Nothing has confirmed that certain monetization initiatives, such as Lock Glimpse The content displayed on the lock screen is offered as an option and can be disabled. After listening to the community, the brand remains focused on a system clean and user-controllable, with the ability to uninstall unwanted apps on compatible models.
With a rollout starting with the Phone (3) and a package of new features including Live Updates, Glyph, Extra Dark Mode, AI for creating widgets, and multitasking improvements, Nothing OS 4.0 represents a coherent step within the brand's ecosystem. It remains to be seen how it will integrate into everyday use, but on paper, the leap in fluency And in terms of customization options, it looks solid for users in Spain and the rest of Europe.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.