Nothing has started rolling out the stable Nothing OS 4.0 update, based on Android 16, to the mid-range Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro. The build is being pushed over-the-air in phases and brings a long list of visual tweaks, AI tools, camera upgrades and Essential Space improvements. For users waiting on nothing os 4.0 for nothing phone 3a, this is the first major Android 16-based firmware for the series.
Product Intro – What This Update Brings
Nothing OS 4.0 was introduced first on the flagship Phone 3 and is now expanding to the 3a line. The focus is on a smoother UI, smarter privacy controls and tighter integration with the brand’s Essential Space and Glyph Interface. It is not just a routine security patch; it changes how the nothing phone handles AI usage, multitasking, camera tools and visual theming.
Key Features of Nothing OS 4.0
- AI Usage Dashboard inside Essential Space to track large-model AI activity for better transparency
- Hide apps directly from Home screen and App drawer with a dedicated Hidden icons section
- Improved search controls in the app drawer to fine-tune the search scope
- More widget sizes for Weather, Pedometer and Screen Time, plus 2×2 support for many Quick Settings tiles
- Pop-up view upgrade with support for two floating icons to switch between apps faster
- App optimisation toggle to boost app start-up speed
- Essential Space upgrades like Flip to Record with photos/notes and a Playground (Alpha) for community Essential Apps, camera presets and EQ profiles
- Visual refresh with redesigned icons, updated status bar, new lock screen clocks and Extra Dark Mode
- Glyph changes including improved Flip to Glyph behaviour and Live Update-based Glyph Progress
- Camera revamp with new presets, Stretch filters with intensity control, longer Motion Photos with audio, new watermarks and artistic frames
Performance Improvements
With Nothing OS 4.0, everyday performance on Phone 3a and 3a Pro gets a noticeable lift.
Animations feel more fluid, app transitions are quicker and pop-up multitasking is more responsive. The new app optimisation feature helps certain apps launch faster, while Android 16’s background management keeps random slowdowns in check during heavy use.
Price of the Update
The update itself is free for all eligible devices. As long as you own a supported nothing phone, you can install Nothing OS 4.0 over-the-air without paying any additional charge.
Android 16 + Nothing OS 4.0 – What’s Special?
Nothing OS 4.0 sits on top of Android 16, which introduces stronger privacy controls, better power management and support for Live Update-style notifications. Nothing uses this foundation for features like the AI usage dashboard, extra dark mode and improved Glyph Progress behaviour. The result is a clean, minimal skin that still takes advantage of Android 16’s under-the-hood upgrades.
Compatible Devices List for Nothing OS 4.0
While this article focuses on nothing os 4.0 for nothing phone 3a, the full stable rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 (Android 16) currently covers:
- Nothing Phone 2
- Nothing Phone 2a
- Nothing Phone 2a Plus
- Nothing Phone 3
- Nothing Phone 3a
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Nothing Phone 3a Lite and selected CMF-branded models are expected to join later, as part of a staged rollout plan.
How to Install Nothing OS 4.0
Step-by-Step OTA Method
- Charge your nothing phone to at least 50% and ensure enough free storage.
- Open Settings on your Phone 3a or Phone 3a Pro.
- Go to System > System updates.
- Tap on Check for updates.
- If Nothing OS 4.0 appears, tap Download and install.
- Wait for the download, installation and automatic reboot to complete.
Tips Before Updating
- Back up important photos, chats and documents to cloud or PC.
- Prefer Wi-Fi for downloading the update to avoid mobile data usage.
- Do not force restart the phone while the update is installing.
Reviews and Early Market Response
Early users of Nothing OS 4.0 on Phone 3a and 3a Pro report a smoother UI, cleaner animations and a more polished camera interface. The AI usage dashboard and app-hiding features have also been appreciated for improving privacy control. Some users note that battery backup feels slightly more consistent after the update, especially in standby and light-use scenarios.
Disclaimer
The details shared here are based on the official changelog, community posts and rollout reports available at the time of writing. Exact behaviour may vary slightly by region, carrier and device batch. Users should always update through the phone’s built-in System Update menu and check Nothing’s official channels for the latest information or known issues.
FAQs
Q. Is the Nothing OS 4.0 update now live for Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro?
Yes. The stable Nothing OS 4.0 update based on Android 16 is now live for Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro and is rolling out in phases. It may take a few days before it reaches every device.
Q. What are the biggest new features in Nothing OS 4.0 for Nothing Phone 3a?
Key highlights include the AI usage dashboard, app hiding for better privacy, expanded widget and Quick Settings sizes, Essential Space upgrades, Extra Dark Mode, improved Glyph controls and a refreshed camera app with new presets and Motion Photos enhancements.
Q. Do I need to pay anything to install Nothing OS 4.0?
No. The update is free for all compatible nothing phone models. You only need a stable internet connection and enough battery and storage to complete the installation.
