Nothing released the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 stable update for the Nothing Phone (3) last week, and now the rollout has expanded to two more smartphones – Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.
The Nothing OS 4.0 comes with new features, visual enhancements, camera enhancements, and more. You can read the changelog below for more details.
- New Features
- Added AI usage dashboard. When using Essential Space, it automatically tracks AI large model usage for enhanced privacy transparency. Path: Settings > Intelligence toolkit > AI usage.
- Hiding apps directly from the home screen and App drawer is now supported. Find hidden apps via: Home screen > App drawer > Hidden icons.
- Managing the search scope is now supported in App drawer to display results within a specific scope.
- Added more size options for Weather, Pedometer, Screen Time widgets.
- 2×2 size is now supported for most QuickSettings tiles.
- Pop-up view now supports two floating icons for easier switching.
- System upgrade supports app optimisation to improve startup speed. Path: Settings > Apps > App optimisation.
- Essential Innovations
- Flip to Record now lets you take photos and add notes while recording, all stored together for easy access in Essential Space.
- Introducing Playground (Alpha) — come to experience unique creations from the Community, including Essential Apps, Camera Presets, and EQ Profiles.
- Essential Apps (Alpha) are now open for download. Enjoy the AI-powered, community-crafted apps that blend creativity with efficiency.
- Visual Enhancements
- Nothing app icons have been redesigned with an all-new, fresh look.
- Updated status bar icons with a more intuitive look.
- Added 2 new lock screen clock faces in Customisation.
- Extra dark mode is now available, bringing a more immersive dark style. Path: Settings > Display > Dark theme > Extra dark mode.
- Improved transition animations in certain scenarios for a smoother, more fluid experience.
- Glyph Interface
- Added a setting to choose whether Flip to Glyph switches your phone to Silent or Vibrate mode.
- Glyph Progress now uses Android 16 Live Update notifications for improved compatibility with third-party apps.
- Camera Enhancements
- Presets: Updated default list with new popular styles.
- Filters: Added intensity adjustment and exclusive ‘Stretch’ styles.
- Motion Photos: Supports longer recording times and audio capture.
- Watermarks: Introduced new Nothing brand watermarks and artistic frames.
- Interface: Refreshed camera UI design with optimised interactions.
Nothing says the stable Nothing OS 4.0 is rolling out to a limited number of Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro users, and a broader rollout will commence if the initial release goes smoothly.
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
It’s also worth noting that users must update Essential Space to the latest version to enjoy the improved Flip to Record feature. Moreover, backing up data before installing the Nothing OS 4.0 update is recommended.
