The Nothing OS 4.0 open beta has officially started rolling out, introducing a range of fresh features and improvements built on Android 16. For users with supported devices, this marks the first opportunity to get hands on with what’s coming in the next major update.
The open beta is essentially a preview program, giving early adopters a chance to experience Android 16 alongside Nothing’s custom tweaks and design elements before the stable release goes live. Previously, the company limited testing to a closed beta for the Nothing Phone (3). Now, the rollout is expanding to more models, opening the door for a wider group of users.
Eligible Devices for the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta
At launch, the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta is being made available to a handful of devices, starting with the Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and the new Phone (2a) Plus. The company has already confirmed that other models, including the Phone (3a) and 3a Pro, will be added to the beta program in the coming weeks. However, owners of the original Nothing Phone (1) may be disappointed, as it’s not expected to be included in this rollout.
Still, Nothing has hinted that it hasn’t completely forgotten its very first device and might surprise users with special updates or unique features outside the main beta cycle. By adopting this phased rollout strategy, Nothing can test the beta on its latest hardware first, collect feedback, and fine-tune the experience before expanding to more models. This approach not only ensures a smoother performance on supported devices but also helps the company deliver a more stable and refined version once the update reaches its final release.
Key Feature
One of the most interesting additions in Nothing OS 4.0 is the AI Usage Dashboard. This feature is designed to give users a clear look at how artificial intelligence is working in the background on their device. Instead of running silently without your knowledge, the dashboard shows which AI models are active and what they’re doing. This level of transparency helps you understand how AI is being used, whether it’s managing system performance, optimizing apps, or powering new smart features. By making this activity visible, Nothing is giving users more control, awareness, and confidence in how their phone is using AI technology.
Another handy feature in Nothing OS 4.0 open beta is the new Pop up View. This option makes multitasking much easier by letting you open two apps in small floating windows on your screen. For example, you could keep a chat app open in one pop up while browsing the web or checking your email in another. The windows can be moved around, expanded when you need a bigger view, or minimized if you want to keep them out of the way. It’s a simple but powerful way to save time and get more done without constantly switching between apps.
Nothing OS 4.0 open beta also brings an Extra Dark Mode, which goes a step beyond the regular dark mode. While the standard dark mode already makes the screen easier on the eyes by using darker backgrounds, Extra Dark Mode takes it even further by deepening the blacks and dimming more parts of the interface. This not only helps reduce eye strain, especially when using the phone at night or in low light environments, but it can also save battery on devices with OLED displays. It’s a small change, but one that makes the overall experience more comfortable and energy efficient.
With Nothing OS 4.0 open beta, users can look forward to a more polished and fluid experience across the interface. The update brings smoother animations, which makes everyday navigation feel faster and more natural. There are also new clock styles to choose from, giving users more options to personalize their lock screen. Speaking of the lock screen, it has been improved for better responsiveness, and the Always-on Display now works more efficiently, showing useful information at a glance without draining too much battery.
On top of that, the Quick Settings panel has been redesigned with a cleaner layout, making it easier to find and adjust key settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness. Altogether, these changes make the software feel fresher, more customizable, and easier to use.
Nothing OS 4.0 open beta introduces the TrueLens Engine, a major upgrade for the camera experience. This new engine improves overall camera performance, helping you capture sharper, more detailed photos and videos. Alongside this, the Gallery app has been optimized to make browsing, organizing, and editing your photos faster and smoother. The update also brings creative presets, which let you easily apply professional-looking effects and styles to your pictures without needing a separate app. Overall, the TrueLens Engine is designed to make photography on Nothing devices more fun, efficient, and versatile.
Nothing OS 4.0 open beta brings several improvements to make your device more reliable in daily use. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections have been enhanced for faster, more stable performance, which means fewer dropped connections and smoother streaming or file transfers. Network stability has also been improved, helping your phone stay connected even in areas with weak signals.
Beyond connectivity, the open beta includes a range of system refinements and bug fixes, addressing small glitches, improving overall speed, and making the software feel more polished and responsive. These behind the scenes improvements might not be immediately visible, but they play a big role in creating a smoother and more dependable user experience.
How to Join the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta
Before joining the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta, it’s important to back up your data, as beta software can sometimes contain bugs or cause unexpected issues. Once your data is safe, check for updates by going to Settings → System → Software Update on a supported device. If the open beta is available for your phone, follow the on-screen prompts to enroll in the program.
After opting in, you can download and install the beta build when it appears. Keep in mind that, since this is a test release, some features may not work perfectly, and occasional bugs or glitches are to be expected. Participating in the beta gives you early access to new features, but it comes with the trade off of potential instability.
Conclusion
The Nothing OS 4.0 open beta represents a significant step for Nothing as the company moves toward deeper AI integration and a more polished user experience. For users with supported devices who are comfortable experimenting with beta software, it offers a great chance to try out new features early and share feedback to help improve the final release. That said, if you prefer a completely stable and seamless experience, it may be better to wait for the official public rollout. Once the beta phase is complete and most bugs have been resolved.
Nothing plans to expand the update to all eligible devices. Over time, the stable version will continue to refine performance, fix remaining issues, and provide a smoother, more reliable experience. Devices that skip the beta phase will likely receive the stable build directly when it becomes available.
FAQs
1. What is Nothing OS 4.0 open beta?
The open beta is an early testing program that allows users with supported Nothing devices to try out Nothing OS 4.0 before the stable release. It gives a first look at new features, Android 16 enhancements, and improvements from Nothing.
2. Which devices are eligible for the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta?
At launch, the open beta is available for Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus. Later, Phone (3a) and 3a Pro will also be added. The original Phone (1) is not part of this beta cycle, though Nothing may release special updates for it separately.
3. How do I join the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta program?
First, back up your data. Then, go to Settings → System → Software Update on a supported device. If the beta is available, follow the prompts to enroll and download the update. Remember, beta versions may have bugs or minor issues.
4. Is Nothing OS 4.0 open beta safe to install?
Yes, but keep in mind that beta software can have occasional bugs, crashes, or minor performance issues. It’s recommended to back up your data before installing.
5. When will the stable version release?
The stable version will be rolled out gradually after the beta phase is complete. It will fix bugs, improve performance, and provide a more polished experience. Devices that skip the beta may receive the stable build directly.
6. Can I go back to the stable version after installing the Nothing OS 4.0 open beta?
Yes, but reverting usually requires a full system reset or flashing the stable firmware. Always back up your data before switching back to avoid losing important information.