Google’s earlier-than-expected release of Android 16 has prompted phone manufacturers to accelerate their software planning. One of the brands affected by this change is Nothing. The company shared the release schedule for Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, and announced the models that will receive the update.
Phone Models Receiving Nothing OS 4.0
The Nothing Phone (3) was listed as the first device to receive the new interface. Despite its release, the device did not ship with Nothing OS 4.0. The earlier release of Android 16 meant the company didn’t have enough time to integrate its own interface into the new operating system. The update will begin with the Nothing Phone (3) and gradually reach other models.
According to the published list, the devices that will receive the update are: Nothing Phone (3), Nothing Phone (3a), Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, Nothing Phone (2), Nothing Phone (2a), Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, CMF Phone 1, and CMF Phone 2 Pro. The original Nothing Phone (1) model is not included in the list. This model, launched with Android 12, was excluded from support because it had completed three major system updates.
Nothing OS 4.0 comes with the new features introduced by Android 16. Chief among these is the live notification system. This system allows users to track updates from apps like ridesharing and food ordering directly on the lock screen. This feature, similar to Apple’s Live Activities and Samsung’s Now Bar, allows users to access information without opening an app.
Android 16 also introduces a classification and volume management system that controls notification volume. Consecutive alerts from the same app are detected and their volume is automatically reduced.
The new version also introduces a significant security layer. This system, called Android Protection, offers more advanced protection against malware, phishing attempts, fake links, and online attacks.
Nothing’s own software layer, Glyph Matrix, will also gain new interactive widgets, mini-games, and advanced notification functionality with the update. However, there has been no official announcement yet as to whether these updates will be limited to the Nothing Phone (3). The update will begin rolling out in the fall.
Nothing Devices Receiving the Update
- Nothing Phone (3)
- Nothing Phone (3a)
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
- CMF Phone 1
- CMF Phone 2 Pro
