Nothing OS 4.0 Arrives: Phone 2, 2a & More Get Major Update

Just days after launching on the flagship Phone 3, Nothing is quietly expanding its latest software release. Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, is now available for the Phone 2, Phone 2a, Phone 2a Plus, Phone 3a, and Phone 3a Pro, bringing a host of new features to a wider range of devices.

While typically announced via social media, this update was released with minimal fanfare – a brief note on the community forum. Multiple users, including tech YouTuber Techiboy, quickly confirmed the rollout via Twitter.

What's New in Nothing OS 4.0?

The update, weighing around 3.26GB for the Phone (2), brings a significant refresh to Nothing’s ecosystem. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

Essential Innovations

• Playground (Alpha): Experience community-crafted creations like Essential Apps, Glyph Toys, Camera Presets, and EQ Profiles. Download the Alpha version of Essential Apps now.

Visual Enhancements

• Redesigned Nothing app icons for a fresh look.

• Updated status bar and lock screen icons with improved intuitiveness.

• New lock screen clock faces in Customisation.

• Extra dark mode for a more immersive experience (Settings > Display > Dark theme).

• Improved transition animations.

Glyph Interface (Phone 3)

• Significant improvements to Flip to Glyph for greater customisation and impact.

• Refreshed legacy Glyph features reimagined for the Glyph Matrix.

• Always-On Glyph Toys now activated with Flip to Glyph.

• Setting to choose between Silent or Vibrate mode when using Flip to Glyph.

• Clear tooltip explaining that calls aren't affected by 'Essential Notifications only'.

• Shake your phone while plugged in to instantly see the charging status.

• Glyph Progress returns with Android 16 Live Update compatibility (Settings > Glyph Interface > Glyph Progress).

• Glyph Timer returns with a refreshed animation.

Other Notable Features

• AI Usage Dashboard: Tracks AI large model usage when using Essential Space (Settings > Intelligence toolkit).

• Ability to hide apps directly from the home screen and App Drawer.

• Manage search scope within the App Drawer.

• More size options for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time widgets.

• 2x2 QuickSettings tile support for most tiles.

• Pop-up view now supports two floating icons.

• System upgrade includes app optimisation (Settings > Apps > App optimisation).

New Toys & Convenience Features

• New Moon Phase toy.

• Direct access to community-made Glyph creations on Nothing Playground.

• Glyph Mirror now saves matrix-styled photos.

• Glyph Interface temporarily disables when your phone is in your pocket.