The Speediest Android Rollout in the Making: Nothing OS 4.0

A Bold Move by Nothing

Nothing has confirmed that its Android 16-based software update, Nothing OS 4.0, will arrive sooner than expected. This update is expected to arrive on the newly announced Nothing Phone (3) within a couple of months, marking a surprisingly fast major OS roll-out by the company.

The Significance of the Rollout

Nothing OS 4.0 is one of the fastest major OS rollouts the company has ever attempted. For reference, Android 15 didn’t start reaching Nothing phones until the very end of last year. This quick rollout is likely due to the company’s most ambitious phone yet, the Nothing Phone (3).

The Phone (3): A Bold Flagship

The Nothing Phone (3) is a statement piece with its new Glyph Matrix display, four 50 MP cameras, a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, and a bold hardware design. This phone is the weirdest flagship we’ve seen all year, and that’s not a bad thing.

Expectations for OS 4.0

Expectations are high that OS 4.0 will bring more polish, AI smarts, and support for the Glyph Matrix API. This could enable developers to create mini-games, tools, and glanceable widgets on the phone’s quirky rear display.

What You Might Want to Use the Glyph Matrix For

• Glanceable notifications (weather, time, battery)

• Fun tools or mini-games

• Music visualizations and effects

• Custom alerts for apps and contacts

Will Older Nothing Phones Get the Update Too?

According to Nothing, the Q3 release timeline refers specifically to Android 16 for the Phone (3). However, if past update rollouts are anything to go by, the Phone (1) and Phone (2) shouldn’t be far behind. Last year’s Android 15 update reached all supported models within a few weeks of its start.

Long-Term Support and Polish

The broader Android 16 update from Google includes improvements to performance, security, and background app management. We expect Nothing OS 4.0 to build on this foundation with the brand’s signature mix of minimalist visuals and whimsical UX tweaks.

A Bold Phone Needs Bold Software

The Nothing Phone (3) is a bold statement piece with a $799 price tag and a design that dares to be different. But it also marks a shift in Nothing’s identity — this is the first time the company is calling one of its phones a flagship, and it needs the software to prove it.

Why the Rush?

Rolling out Android 16 earlier than expected isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about showing that Nothing is ready to compete head-to-head with bigger players like Samsung and Google, not just on looks but on long-term support and polish.

The Future of Nothing OS

Nothing OS 4.0 is expected to arrive before the end of September, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what it brings. If Nothing wants to continue making the world of smartphones feel fun again, this next update will need to be as confident and unapologetically different as the Phone (3) itself.

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