Nothing OS 4.0 Beta Expands to More Phones: Here’s How to Try Android 16 Early

Nothing OS 4.0 Beta Expands to Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro

Nothing is rolling out the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, based on Android 16, to more of its smartphones. The beta is now available for Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro users who want to experience the company’s latest software update ahead of its official release.

The update brings new design elements, improved camera tools, and smarter lock screen features, showing how Nothing’s software is maturing beyond aesthetics.

What’s new in Nothing OS 4.0 Beta

The Nothing OS 4.0 Beta introduces a few notable changes. The interface now features refined system icons, described by Nothing as “lighter and more expressive.” It gives the interface a more consistent and polished look across the system.

One of the biggest highlights is the new “Stretch” camera preset, created in collaboration with photographer Jordan Hemingway. It adds a cinematic tone to your shots with deeper shadows and enhanced highlights — ideal for users who love creative photography.

Another key addition is Lock Glimpse. This new lock screen feature brings curated wallpapers and real-time updates directly to the screen, similar to Google’s At a Glance widget. It’s disabled by default, so users can choose when to turn it on.

How to join the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

If you’re using a Nothing Phone (3a) or Phone (3a) Pro, you can join the beta by following these steps:

  1. Make sure your device is on the latest stable build (V3.2-251013-1406).
  2. Download the Beta APK file from Nothing’s official community post.
  3. Install the APK from your Downloads folder.
  4. Go to Settings → System → Nothing Beta Hub.
  5. Tap Join Beta, then tap Go to Update to start the upgrade process.

Since this is a beta release, it’s best to back up your data before installing. The update is meant for testing, so you might encounter occasional bugs or performance issues.

Nothing OS is evolving with Android 16

When Nothing OS first launched, it focused mainly on design — minimalist icons, dot-matrix fonts, and a clean interface. With Nothing OS 4.0, the company is clearly moving toward building its own software identity, emphasizing both style and substance.

The new update suggests Nothing is ready to compete more seriously in the Android space, offering thoughtful customizations without overwhelming users with unnecessary apps or ads.

For users curious about Android 16 and eager to test new features early, this Open Beta provides an exciting opportunity to get hands-on with the next phase of Nothing OS.

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