Nothing has just launched the open beta for Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16, ahead of the official stable release expected later this year. If someone owns a Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), or Phone (2a) Plus, they can try out the new software and features early.
Key Features of Nothing OS 4.0 Beta
- Nothing Phone (3) users get an AI usage dashboard inside “Essential Space,” so it’s easier to see and control AI activity on the device.
- There are improvements for the lock screen, Always-on-Display, camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and auto-brightness.
- For Phone (2), (2a), and (2a) Plus, users receive a new “Stretch” Camera filter made with photographer Jordan Hemingway, plus faster app opening thanks to a new app optimisation setting.
- All supported models can try new features like:
- Pop-up View for fast switching between floating apps
- Two new lock screen clock designs
- 2×2 tiles in Quick Settings
- Extra Dark Mode option in Display settings
- The beta introduces Essential Apps and Playground, allowing users to create and share AI-powered widgets, Camera Presets, and EQ Profiles. Phone (3) can add up to 6 widgets and other models are limited to 2.
How to Join Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta
- Make sure the device is running the latest stable version:
- Phone (3): Metroid-V3.5-250911-2112
- Phone (2): Pong-V3.2-250917-1451
- Phone (2a): Pacman-V3.2-250904-1648
- Phone (2a) Plus: PacmanPro-V3.2-250904-1704
- Download and install the Beta Updates Hub .apk file.
- Go to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
- Tap “Join Beta” to sign up, then tap “Go to Update” to start installing.
It’s important to back up all data before joining. The deadline to sign up for the beta is October 14, 2025.
Rolling Back
Users who want to rollback to the stable Nothing OS 3.5 version must download the right rollback package for their phone, go to Nothing Beta Hub, import the file, and follow the instructions. This will delete all data on the device.
Availability
The beta program now supports Nothing Phone (3), (2), (2a), and (2a) Plus. Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro will be added later in October.
If testing, users can submit feedback through Settings or the official Nothing community forum.