Nothing has announced the release of its Nothing OS 4.0 open beta, which is based on the Android 16 operating system. The company confirmed via its Community website that the software is available for the Nothing Phone 2, Phone 3, Phone 2a, and Phone 2a Plus.
The beta software introduces several user interface and functionality updates to compatible devices. These include a new 2×2 quick-setting tile size, two additional lock-screen clock faces, and a feature identified as Extra Dark Mode. The update also brings a Pop-Up View, which presents a floating window with two floating icons designed for faster switching between applications. This feature is intended to enhance multitasking capabilities for users across the supported phone models.
A significant addition with Nothing OS 4.0 is support for Essential Apps. This functionality allows users to create widgets that can be subsequently shared through the company’s Playground portal. The Nothing Phone 3 can support up to six of these widgets, while other compatible models are limited to two. Nothing has stated these are temporary limits implemented to maintain smooth performance, adding that the company is actively working to increase this capacity in the future.
The Nothing Phone 3 receives exclusive features within this beta release. An “AI usage dashboard” has been integrated into the device’s Essential Space, providing a tool to monitor “large model activity.” The flagship device also obtains a series of fixes addressing reported issues with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, display brightness behavior, and camera performance, among other system corrections.
For the Nothing Phone 2, Phone 2a, and Phone 2a Plus, the open beta adds the “Stretch” camera preset. The update also incorporates app optimizations across the board, which are aimed at improving application startup speeds. Nothing has also confirmed that the open beta for the Nothing Phone 3a series is scheduled to arrive “soon in October.”
