Nothing has begun rolling out Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16 to the Nothing Phone 3, with other Nothing and CMF handsets following in the coming weeks.

Every model except the 3a Lite will receive the update before year’s end, while the cheaper variant is scheduled for early next year.

This follows the timeline Nothing set when launching the open beta in October.

The update introduces Extra Dark Mode with deeper blacks and higher contrast to help in low light and improve battery life.

Native app icons have been refreshed with a minimalist design, the status bar simplified to match Android 16 styling, and the lock screen receives new clock faces and fonts.

Users can hide apps from the drawer without placing them in Private Space and select new 1×1 and 2×1 layouts for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time widgets.

Glyph Progress integrates more deeply with Android 16, allowing light strips on the back to track rides, deliveries, and timers for most third-party apps beyond a handful of partners.

Multitasking receives a reworked Pop-up View supporting two floating apps simultaneously, with gesture controls for switching between them.

A new System and Apps Dashboard shows background processes and enables performance optimisation with a single tap.

Essential Apps Playground lets users generate functional widgets by describing requirements in natural language without coding.

Widgets live in a new Widget Drawer, acting as a hub for personal creations and community-made options.

AI transparency increases with status bar hints when large language models are active and a Usage Dashboard tracking AI activity.

The Phone 3 receives exclusive additions, including Glyph Mirror Selfie using the rear light matrix to create stylised reflections, smarter Flip to Glyph allowing choice between Vibrate and Silent when placed face down, and Pocket Mode turning off the Glyph Matrix when detected in pockets to avoid accidental flashes.

Two new Glyph Toys, called Hourglass and Lunar Cycle, add playful light patterns.

An Essential Space update promising smarter, context-aware natural language search across saved items is also coming.

The rapid Android 16 adoption positions Nothing ahead of many competitors in delivering the latest Android version.

Nothing Phone 3 pricing in Australia starts around A$1,509 for the base model.