Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro get their Android 16 update

Not too long after landing on the Nothing Phone (3), Android 16 (Nothing OS 4.0) is now rolling out to the Nothing Phone (3a) series.

As detailed in a post on its forums, Nothing is now rolling out Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, to Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. Like the same update on Phone (3), this includes new features such as the AI usage dashboard, hiding apps, updated widget options, and upgrades to Essential Space.

The changelog for Nothing OS 4.0 for Phone (3a) series is as follows:

New Features

• Added AI usage dashboard. When using Essential Space, it automatically tracks AI large model usage for enhanced privacy transparency. Path: Settings > Intelligence toolkit > AI usage.
• Hiding apps directly from the home screen and App drawer is now supported. Find hidden apps via: Home screen > App drawer > Hidden icons.
• Managing the search scope is now supported in App drawer to display results within a specific scope.
• Added more size options for Weather, Pedometer, Screen Time widgets.
• 2×2 size is now supported for most QuickSettings tiles.
• Pop-up view now supports two floating icons for easier switching.
• System upgrade supports app optimisation to improve startup speed. Path: Settings > Apps > App optimisation.

Essential Innovations

• Flip to Record now lets you take photos and add notes while recording, all stored together for easy access in Essential Space.
• Introducing Playground (Alpha) — come to experience unique creations from the Community, including Essential Apps, Camera Presets, and EQ Profiles.
• Essential Apps (Alpha) are now open for download. Enjoy the AI-powered, community-crafted apps that blend creativity with efficiency.

Visual Enhancements

• Nothing app icons have been redesigned with an all-new, fresh look.
• Updated status bar icons with a more intuitive look.
• Added 2 new lock screen clock faces in Customisation.
• Extra dark mode is now available, bringing a more immersive dark style. Path: Settings > Display > Dark theme > Extra dark mode.
• Improved transition animations in certain scenarios for a smoother, more fluid experience.

Glyph Interface

• Added a setting to choose whether Flip to Glyph switches your phone to Silent or Vibrate mode.
• Glyph Progress now uses Android 16 Live Update notifications for improved compatibility with third-party apps.

Camera Enhancements

• Presets: Updated default list with new popular styles.
• Filters: Added intensity adjustment and exclusive ‘Stretch’ styles.
• Motion Photos: Supports longer recording times and audio capture.
• Watermarks: Introduced new Nothing brand watermarks and artistic frames.
• Interface: Refreshed camera UI design with optimised interactions.

The update is rolling out now to all users. The rollout started on November 28, so it should be widely available at this point.

More on Nothing:

• Review: Nothing’s CMF Headphone Pro makes you rethink bass for just $80
• Nothing’s bizarre new lock screen ‘ads’ want you to visit this sketchy clickbait farm [Gallery]
• Nothing Phone rolling out call recording that works with a physical button [Video]

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