In November 2025, Nothing officially rolled out Nothing OS 4.0, its latest operating system update based on Google’s Android 16, starting with its flagship device, the Nothing Phone 3. This release marks a significant milestone for the brand, integrating Android 16’s core improvements with Nothing’s unique design philosophy and feature set. In this article, we dive deep into the enhancements, new features, and the overall impact of Nothing OS 4.0 on the user experience.
Background: Nothing OS and Android 16 Integration
Nothing OS is the custom Android skin developed by Nothing Technology Limited, aiming to provide a clean, fast, and visually distinctive interface. Android 16, publicly debuted in June 2025, brings performance optimizations, privacy enhancements, and new UI paradigms to the Android ecosystem.
While Android 16 initially launched on Google Pixel and select Samsung Galaxy devices, Nothing promised a timely rollout for its phones. The company delivered on this promise, releasing Nothing OS 4.0 in November 2025, aligning precisely with the projected schedule and starting with the Phone 3 model[1][2].
Core Features and Functional Improvements in Nothing OS 4.0
1. Enhanced Glyph Interface with Live Updates
One of the hallmark features of Nothing phones is the Glyph interface, an array of LED lights on the back that provide visual notifications. In Nothing OS 4.0, the Glyph system has been deeply integrated with Android 16’s Live Updates feature.
- Glyph Progress: The lights now sync with real-time activities such as rides, deliveries, and timers, visually indicating progress through light patterns and motion. This functionality is no longer limited to specific partners but supports most third-party apps that utilize Live Updates, vastly expanding its utility[1][2][4].
- New Glyph Toys: Two novel visual features, Hourglass and Lunar Cycle, have been added. Hourglass visualizes the passage of time, while Lunar Cycle tracks the moon’s position, enhancing the aesthetic and functional appeal of the Glyph interface[1].
- Pocket Mode: To avoid accidental triggers, the Glyph Matrix automatically disables when the device detects it is in a pocket or bag[1].
2. Multitasking and Productivity Enhancements
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces a refined multitasking experience with Android 16’s improved Pop-up View. Users can open two apps simultaneously in floating windows and switch between them using intuitive gestures, enhancing productivity on the go[1].
Additionally, the System and Apps Dashboard provides a centralized view of background processes and performance metrics, allowing users to optimize their device with a single tap[1]. This focus on system transparency and control reflects broader Android 16 goals.
3. AI-Driven Widgets and Customization
Nothing OS 4.0 leverages AI to simplify widget creation and management:
- Essential Apps (Playground): This innovative feature enables users to generate functional widgets by conversing naturally with an AI, eliminating the need for manual coding or complex setups[1][2].
- Widget Drawer: A new centralized hub consolidates all user-created and community-collected widgets, making it easier to manage and customize the home screen[1].
- AI Privacy Transparency: To maintain user trust, a status bar indicator shows when a Large Language Model (LLM) is active, alongside a Usage Dashboard that tracks AI activity for privacy awareness[1].
4. Visual and Interface Refinements
Nothing OS 4.0 updates the visual identity of the phone with a cleaner, more minimalistic design:
- Refreshed First-Party Icons: Native app icons have been redesigned for a modern, balanced look, enhancing the overall home screen aesthetics[3][4].
- Refined Status Bar Icons: Wi-Fi, battery, and data indicators now follow a cohesive style inspired by Android 16, reducing visual clutter and improving legibility[3][4].
- Hidden Icons in App Drawer: Users can now hide specific apps from the drawer, accessible through search, enabling a cleaner interface[2].
- More Widget Sizes: Nothing widgets offer additional size options to improve customization flexibility[2].
Examples of User Benefits and Practical Use Cases
The integration of Android 16 with Nothing OS 4.0 translates into tangible benefits for end users. For example:
- Real-Time Delivery Tracking: The Glyph Progress feature can visually indicate the status of a food delivery or ride-sharing trip without unlocking the phone, providing subtle yet informative feedback.
- Improved Multitasking for Work: Floating dual windows allow users to monitor email while browsing documents, fostering efficient mobile workflows.
- AI Widget Creation: A user can create a personalized weather or calendar widget by simply describing their needs in natural language, bypassing technical hurdles.
- Privacy-Conscious AI Usage: With clear indicators of AI activity, users maintain control and awareness over their data and interactions, addressing growing privacy concerns.
Update Availability and Device Support
The rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 began on November 21, 2025, starting with the Nothing Phone 3. According to official announcements, the update will expand to other Nothing devices over the coming weeks, including the CMF Phone line before the end of the year. However, the Nothing Phone 3a Lite model is slated for an update only in early 2026, partly due to its controversial lock screen ads[2].
The update is notable for being bloatware-free on the Phone 3, focusing on performance and usability improvements rather than adding unnecessary apps or services[3].
Contextualizing Nothing OS 4.0 in the Broader Android Ecosystem
Nothing OS 4.0 exemplifies a modern Android skin that balances innovation with user-centric design. By building on Android 16’s foundation, Nothing leverages Google’s latest system optimizations and privacy features while adding its signature visual and functional flourishes.
Its emphasis on AI integration, particularly in widget generation and privacy transparency, reflects current industry trends towards intelligent, responsible computing. The Glyph interface remains a unique hardware-software synergy that sets Nothing apart from other Android manufacturers.
Potential Areas for Future Development
Nothing has hinted at further updates, such as an upcoming enhancement to Essential Space that will add contextual understanding to saved items, enabling natural language retrieval. This points to a future where AI-driven content management becomes more intuitive and integrated[1].
Continued expansion of Glyph Progress compatibility and deeper multitasking features could further enhance user engagement and productivity.
Conclusion
Nothing OS 4.0, powered by Android 16, is a compelling update that enriches the Nothing Phone 3 experience with AI-driven widgets, a smarter and more versatile Glyph interface, and thoughtful visual refinements. By delivering on promised timelines and focusing on meaningful enhancements without bloat, Nothing demonstrates a strong commitment to its user community and a clear vision for the future of its ecosystem.
For users and enthusiasts, this update signals that Nothing is maturing into a serious player in the Android space, combining innovation with practical functionality.