Nothing OS 4.0 Rolling Out to CMF Phone 1, Brings Android 16 and Major Upgrades
CMF by Nothing has officially begun the stable rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 for its budget-friendly CMF Phone 1 in India. This is a significant milestone for users, as the update is based on the latest Android 16 operating system, bringing a host of refinements, security updates, and new features to the device.
The update arrives in a phased manner, meaning it will reach users gradually over the coming days. CMF Phone 1 users are the first in the CMF lineup to receive it, with the CMF Phone 2 Pro slated to follow in early January 2026. This prioritization of the budget Phone 1, ahead of the newer Phone 2 Pro, has generated some discussion in the community, showing that Nothing is committed to its entry-level users.
Key Features Included in Nothing OS 4.0
Nothing OS 4.0 focuses heavily on refining the user experience, enhancing visual elements, and adding useful quality-of-life features:
- Android 16 Core: The jump from the previous Android 15 base (likely the Phone 1’s previous OS) to Android 16 ensures users get the latest security patches and platform-level performance optimizations.
- Extra Dark Mode: A new, enhanced ‘Extra Dark Mode’ provides deeper blacks and improved contrast, which is great for readability at night and also helps in reducing power consumption.
- Improved Multitasking: The Pop-up View feature is enhanced, now supporting two floating icons for faster switching between parallel apps.
- Customization and UI:
- Hidden Apps: A privacy-focused addition allows users to hide selected apps directly from the home screen and app drawer.
- Essential Innovations (Playground): The update introduces Playground (Alpha), a community platform hosting user-created content like Essential Apps (AI-powered applications), Camera Presets, and EQ Profiles. This initiative adds significant value by opening the ecosystem to user innovation.
Camera and Performance Enhancements
Beyond the visual and functional updates, the system upgrade also targets performance and camera experience. The update supports app optimization to specifically improve the startup speed of applications, making the Phone 1 feel noticeably snappier and more responsive, according to initial user reviews.
The camera receives updated Presets and Filters (including the exclusive ‘Stretch’ styles), along with the introduction of new Nothing-branded Watermarks and artistic frames. While core hardware remains the same, these software tweaks should enhance the overall photo-taking and editing process.
User Perspective and What Comes Next
For CMF Phone 1 users, this update is a massive relief and a strong signal of brand commitment. Given that the CMF Phone 1, being the first in the CMF lineup, is receiving its final major OS upgrade (it is generally entitled to two major OS updates), this Android 16 delivery ensures the phone maximizes its lifecycle with the latest features.
For potential buyers of future CMF devices, this swift and feature-rich update demonstrates a more mature software rollout strategy from Nothing’s sub-brand compared to its initial releases. Historically, consistent software updates are key to retaining user base satisfaction and enhancing long-term device value.
Actionable Tip: Before initiating the update (which is approximately 2.03GB in size and carries the build number Tetris-B4.0-251216-1717-IND), ensure your phone is fully charged and back up your critical data, including photos, contacts, and call logs, to prevent any unforeseen issues.
Disclaimer: The update is rolling out in a phased manner in India and may not be available immediately to all CMF Phone 1 users. Details are based on official announcements and community changelogs. The overall size and final feature list may see minor regional variations.
Written by: Anil Sinha – Gadgets Analyst – Naukri Sarkari – https://www.naukri-sarkari.com
