The latest Nothing Phone 3 debuts with Nothing OS 3.5. The major Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 update is officially coming before year-end.
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| Nothing Phone (3) |
Nothing just took the wraps off its new flagship, the Nothing Phone 3, and simultaneously introduced its first over-ear headphones, dubbed the Nothing Headphone 1. In a move that’s bound to excite Android fans and loyal Nothing users alike, the company has also confirmed a major update on the horizon: the Nothing OS 4.0 update based on Android 16, with a release slated before the end of 2025.
The new Nothing Phone 3 ships with Nothing OS 3.5 out of the box, which is built upon last year’s Android 15. Many tech enthusiasts and prospective buyers had speculated that the Phone 3 might launch on Android 16, especially after Google rolled out Android 16 to Pixel devices last month. While the initial build isn’t based on the latest Android, Nothing CEO Carl Pei has confirmed that the awaited jump to Nothing OS 4.0—powered by Android 16—is just around the corner.
Nothing OS 4.0 Update: Android 16 Rollout Timeline and Features
During the official Nothing Phone 3 launch event, streamed on the Nothing YouTube channel, Carl Pei shared that the company plans to roll out the Nothing OS 4.0 update sometime between September and November this year. This autumn release window confirms that Nothing Phone 3 users will be the first to experience Android 16 through the customized Nothing OS.
The update is more than just a bump in version number. According to teasers and developer previews, Nothing OS 4.0 is expected to come packed with innovative AI-powered tools. It will also bring expanded support for the Glyph Matrix API. This advancement will unlock new developer tools, allow the creation of mini-games, and offer fresh glanceable widgets tailored for the Phone 3’s unique rear circular display—giving users new ways to interact with incoming notifications and app data.
Right now, only Google’s Pixel phones have stable Android 16. Other Android smartphone brands are still beta-testing, making Nothing one of the first non-Google companies to push Android 16 to their users.
Open Beta and Wider Availability
Like previous updates, Nothing is expected to launch an open beta program for Nothing OS 4.0. This will let tech-savvy users test out the latest Android 16 features, AI integrations, and unique Glyph Matrix functions ahead of public release. Historically, Nothing has been quick to update all its supported devices, so after the stable rollout on Phone 3, the new OS should reach all recent Nothing phones within weeks.
Long-Term Software Support Promised
Nothing is also raising the bar for Android software support. The Phone 3 promises five years of OS upgrades and an impressive seven years of security updates, ensuring that buyers don’t just get the latest features quickly, but also enjoy long-term device relevance and security.
