Nothing OS 4.0 launches in beta with Android 16 update, but leaves out two key phones

Nothing is officially launching its Android 16 update in beta today, but Nothing OS 4.0 unexpectedly leaves out a couple of key devices.

Nothing OS 4.0 was announced earlier this month with a focus on new AI features, and Nothing also confirmed earlier today that it delivers support for its new AI-generated “Essential Apps,” which are custom widgets.

In a brief post, Nothing explains that its Android 16 update enables the new “AI Dashboard” on Phone (3) as well as delivering a number of other improvements:

Phone (3) introduces the AI usage dashboard in Essential Space, giving you greater transparency over large model activity. This update also includes general improvements and bug fixes, with better lock screen and AOD performance, optimised brightness behaviour, enhanced camera stability, improved Bluetooth stability and compatibility, stronger Wi-Fi connectivity and network stability, and overall system stability enhancements.

As of today, Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, is available in open beta for the following devices:

• Nothing Phone (3)
• Nothing Phone (2)
• Nothing Phone (2a)
• Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

It’s strange that Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are missing from this list, but they’ll probably come in time.

Other new features in Nothing OS 4.0’s first beta include:

• Pop-up View with two floating icons for faster switching
• Two new lock screen clock faces
• 2×2 Quick Settings tile support
• Extra Dark Mode (Settings > Display > Dark theme > Extra dark mode)
• “Stretch” Camera preset for Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus

To install Nothing OS 4.0, you’ll need to install an APK and then enroll in the beta.

Nothing says:

1. Download our Beta Updates Hub .apk  and install it from your Downloads folder.
2. Go to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
3. Tap “Join Beta” to sign up. After successful registration, Tap “Go to Update” to upgrade.

More on Nothing:

• Nothing launches ‘Essential’ which generates ‘apps’ with AI and, one day, will be an OS [Video]
• Nothing’s CMF Headphone Pro launch for $99 with a physical slider to tune bass, more
• Review: Nothing Ear (3) are still great earbuds, but a huge missed opportunity

Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram