Nothing OS 4.0 — concise update guide
A clear, original summary of what Nothing OS 4.0 brings, which devices will get it, how it will roll out, and how to prepare.
Quick summary
Nothing OS 4.0 (branded as "Flow" in marketing) is the next major Nothing software update built on Android 16. It focuses on smoother UI motion, deeper dark-theme options, enhanced multitasking with floating windows, tighter integration of small AI features and an "Essential" widget/app system that encourages user-created micro-apps/widgets. The public rollout began on 21 November 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Key new features (plain language)
- Extra Dark Mode — a deeper OLED-friendly dark setting for richer blacks and potentially better battery on OLED devices. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Pop-Up View (floating windows) — run apps in resizeable floating windows that can be dragged around; some devices can show two floating icons simultaneously for faster multitasking. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- 2×2 condensed quick settings — a more compact quick-settings layout to reduce clutter in the notification shade. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- New lock-screen options — additional clock faces, dynamic lock wallpaper features (called "Lock Glimpse" in betas), and improved Always-on-Display responsiveness. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Essential Apps & Playground — a system for small user-created widgets/apps that can be shared through a Nothing portal (playground) to expand the device's mini-app ecosystem. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- AI dashboard & transparency tools — controls that let you see and manage AI usage by system features or Essential apps, aiming to keep AI activity visible and controllable. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Camera updates — creative camera presets and features (for example, "Stretch" on some models) and updated camera controls—availability may vary by phone model. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Connectivity, stability, and small polish — faster Bluetooth/Wi-Fi handling, refined brightness behavior, small performance and stability optimizations throughout the system. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Which devices and rollout
Nothing stated that the update will roll out starting 21 November 2025, initially to newer Nothing phones (Phone (3) / Phone (3a) series and Phone (2) series depending on batches). The rollout pattern in community threads suggests staged batches (Phone 3 first in some reports, then Phone 2 variants and a-series phones), so exact availability depends on model and region. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
How to prepare (before updating)
- Back up your data: local backup + cloud backup (photos, messages, app data) so you can restore if rollback is needed.
- Charge to ≥50%: or keep the phone plugged in while updating to avoid interruptions.
- Free up storage: system updates often need extra temporary space for unpacking; remove large unused files or apps if low on space.
- Read the changelog: the in-update changelog includes model-specific notes (camera features, any known beta issues). If you are on a daily-driver device and rely on critical apps, wait a few days to confirm no major regressions in your region. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Privacy, AI & controls
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces an AI dashboard and usage transparency features so you can view AI-powered features' activity and control access. Essential apps that use AI should expose what data they use; review app permissions and the AI dashboard if privacy is a concern. This is a design focus for Nothing moving forward. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Known limitations & notes
- Some features (camera Stretch, minor UI behaviors) may be model-limited—check Nothing's device notes.
- Beta testers reported small bugs in early builds; stable rollout aims to address them but new issues can surface on particular carriers or regional builds. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- If you participate in the Open Beta program and want to return to stable, follow Nothing's rollback instructions carefully (back up first). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Where I checked (sources)
Official Nothing community announcement and rollout posts, plus recent coverage and hands-on previews from major tech outlets that tracked the November 21, 2025 rollout and feature set. Key references are linked below (click to view):
• Nothing community update. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Android Authority coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Times of India / Business Standard reporting on features and rollout. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• TechRadar / Beebom hands-on and analysis. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Advantages of Nothing OS 4.0
- Smoother animations and improved UI performance for a more responsive experience.
- Enhanced Dark Mode with deeper contrast for OLED displays.
- Floating window support for faster multitasking across apps.
- New lock-screen styles and Always-on-Display refinements for better personalization.
- AI tools and transparency controls that help manage how features use data.
- Improved connectivity stability, including faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth handling.
- Essential Apps & Playground system for lightweight mini-apps and custom widgets.
Disadvantages of Nothing OS 4.0
- Some new features may not be available on older Nothing phone models.
- Early versions may include minor bugs or performance inconsistencies.
- AI-based features could increase background processing on some devices.
- Floating window multitasking may feel limited depending on screen size.
- Rollout is staged, so some regions may receive the update later.
Official Download / Update Link
You can check for the latest Nothing OS 4.0 rollout and download/update details using the official support page:
| Feature | Nothing OS 3.0 | Nothing OS 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Android Version | Android 15 | Android 16 |
| User Interface | Smoother layout with standard animations | Faster transitions, refined motion effects, and cleaner visual flow |
| Dark Mode | Standard dark theme | Enhanced Deep Dark Mode with stronger contrast |
| Multitasking | Basic split-screen | Floating pop-up windows with drag and resize options |
| Lock Screen Options | Limited clock styles | Multiple new clock layouts, dynamic lock wallpapers, improved AOD |
| AI Features | Minimal AI involvement | AI usage dashboard, transparency tools, smarter system suggestions |
| Widgets & Mini-Apps | Standard widgets | Essential Apps & Playground for micro-apps and custom widgets |
| Camera Features | Basic Nothing camera tools | New creative modes, model-specific upgrades, faster controls |
| Performance | Stable but sometimes slower under load | Optimized memory handling, better app launch speed |
| Battery Efficiency | Standard optimization | More efficient background activity management |
| Update Rollout Speed | Staged, slower on older devices | Faster staged rollout with clearer status |
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