Nothing
Nothing Releases Stable Nothing OS 4.0 Update for All Supported Phones
Nothing has officially started rolling out the Nothing OS 4.0 stable update, which is based on Android 16, to all its latest smartphones. The update is now available for the Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, Phone (3a), and Phone (3a) Pro. These devices are receiving almost the same set of features, with only a few minor differences depending on the model.
Update Size and How to Download
The update size varies between devices. For the Nothing Phone (2), the update size is around 3.26 GB, while the Phone (2a) (I was already on Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta) receive an update of about 1.40 GB. As always, Nothing does not send notifications for updates, so users must manually check by going to Settings → System → System Update and tapping on “Check for Update.” The update may take some time to install depending on internet speed and device state.
Updated Welcome Screen After Installation
Once the update is installed, the phone shows a new welcome screen that explains the main changes. This screen highlights support for Essential Apps, the new preset system, updated clock styles, redesigned status bar icons, Extra Dark Mode, and other Android 16 additions. The overall layout feels cleaner and more refined than before.
New Hidden App Icon Feature
One of the most important additions in Nothing OS 4.0 is the ability to hide app icons directly from the home screen or the app drawer. Users can simply long-press an app and choose the “Hide Icon” option. Once hidden, the app moves into a protected folder that can only be opened after verifying the user’s identity. This makes privacy easier and faster compared to using Private Space.
Improved Search Customization
Universal Search has been improved and can now be customized according to user preferences. Users can decide if results from Contacts, Messages, Calendar, Files, or Gallery should show up when they search for something. This makes search results cleaner and more relevant.
More Widget Options for Home and Lock Screen
Nothing has added several new widget sizes to make the home screen more customizable. Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time widgets now support multiple size formats. These widgets can also be placed on the lock screen, giving users better access to information without unlocking the phone.
Better and Smarter Quick Settings Panel
The Quick Settings panel now includes several quality improvements. The Bluetooth tile shows connected devices in a swipeable list, while the Wi-Fi tile now includes a Share option that makes sharing network details easier. Many quick toggles can now expand into a larger 2×2 layout. Pop-up view supports two floating apps at once, making multitasking better. In addition, Nothing has added subtle haptic feedback to the volume slider and quick settings actions, making the interface feel more responsive.
Visual Improvements Across the System
Nothing OS 4.0 brings fresh visual changes throughout the interface. Wi-Fi, network, and battery icons in the status bar have been redesigned. Nothing’s own apps, including Weather, Recorder, Camera, and Gallery, now have updated icons. The new Extra Dark Mode gives deeper blacks in menus and system apps, offering a cleaner look and reducing eye strain for users who prefer using their phone in dark environments.
Lock Glance Comes to More Devices
The Lock Glance feature, which shows small informative cards on the lock screen, is now available on the Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, Phone (3a), and Phone (3a) Pro. It displays rotating wallpaper cards with quick information. However, Nothing has recommended leaving it off because it may sometimes show ads or unnecessary content. Still, the option is available for those who want to try it.
Upgraded Glyph Interface
The Glyph Interface has been improved in this update. The Flip to Glyph feature now supports switching the phone to Silent or Vibrate mode. The new Glyph Progress system works with apps like Uber, Zomato, and Google Calendar, showing progress updates on both the screen and the rear Glyph LEDs. This makes the Glyph system more useful in everyday situations.
New Camera Features and UI Changes
The camera app has also received noticeable upgrades. Users now get new camera presets, including the “Stretch” preset created with Jordan Heming. A new slider allows users to adjust the intensity of filters. Motion Photos now record slightly longer clips along with audio, making them more dynamic. The watermark interface has been updated, and the overall camera UI matches the design seen in newer Nothing devices. These improvements make photography more creative and fun for users.
Support for Essential Apps
Nothing OS 4.0 also adds support for Essential Apps, which can be downloaded from the Nothing Playground website. These apps appear as special widgets on the home screen or lock screen and provide quick access to useful features. Users can customize these widgets based on their needs.
Final Thoughts:
Nothing OS 4.0 brings a collection of meaningful improvements across visuals, performance, customization, and everyday usability. Features like hidden apps, better search, new widgets, camera upgrades, Extra Dark Mode, and enhanced Glyph tools make the update feel more polished. Overall, the update improves the user experience and adds more flexibility to how users personalize their phones.
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Nothing has teased another Pokémon on its official X account and Nothing Community, hinting that a new product could be on the way. This time, the company has shared Kingdra, Pokémon #230 in the National Pokédex.
Kingdra is a Water/Dragon-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. The teaser features the Pokémon alongside a cryptic description about sleeping deep on the ocean floor to build energy and causing tornadoes when it wakes up.
What Could Nothing Be Launching Next?
Nothing has not revealed which product the new Pokémon teaser refers to. However, the company has previously used Pokémon-themed teasers to build anticipation for upcoming devices, making this latest post worth watching.
An audio product, such as new Nothing Ear earbuds or headphones, could be one possibility. A new smartphone or another product category cannot be ruled out either.
For now, the product name, specifications, pricing and launch date remain unknown. More details may emerge through future teasers from the company.
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Nothing has started rolling out the Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta update for the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus, bringing Android 17 along with a refreshed user interface, new customisation options, camera improvements and several other features. The update started rolling out on October 21, 2026, with a reported download size of 3.14GB.
One of the biggest surprises in this update is the addition of the translucent theme and Micrographics clock face, giving users more ways to personalise their devices.
Nothing OS 5.0 Brings Translucent Theme and Micrographics Clock
The Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus receives the new translucent theme as part of the Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta. The updated design introduces translucent elements and wallpaper-inspired accent colours, offering a refreshed look across the interface.
The update also brings the Micrographics clock face, along with additional lock screen customisation options, including the ability to change the clock colour and choose a new clock design.
Other New Features in Nothing OS 5.0
Apart from the visual changes, the update introduces several new features and improvements:
- Separate Quick Settings and Notifications: Users can enable a split layout for easier access to notifications and system controls.
- New Glyph app: A dedicated app provides quicker access to Glyph Interface features.
- Home screen improvements: Users can arrange multiple app icons at once.
- New status indicators: Three-colour indicators show sensitive access, location and AI processing activity.
- New widgets: Collector, Away Time and Glyph Timer widgets expand home screen functionality.
- Updated system design: The Geist typeface, refreshed Settings interface and redesigned status bar icons improve the overall appearance.
- Smoother animations: Updated transitions improve the experience across widgets and recent tasks.
Camera Improvements
Nothing OS 5.0 brings several camera enhancements to the Nothing Phone (2a). These include Tuning with seven adjustable effects and a reset option, improved Presets editing, richer preset cards and Playground integration.
The update also introduces a new 2×2 camera widget and support for Filters and Tuning during video creation. Other improvements include video recording, zoom, close-up shooting, QR scanning, Google Lens and Motion Photo playback, alongside refinements to the camera interface, controls and animations.
Dark Theme, HDR and Other Improvements
The update expands Dark Theme support to many apps that do not offer a native dark mode. Users can also customise Enhanced HDR Brightness to adjust the intensity of HDR content.
Depth wallpapers now support pinch-to-shrink, while Live Updates receive an improved status bar experience. The update also adds Noto 3D Emoji support in Gboard, improves lock screen shortcut interactions and enables one-tap Bluetooth connection or disconnection through Quick Settings.
Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta: How to Update
Nothing Phone (2a) and Phoen (2a) Plus users can check for the update through the software update section in Settings. The rollout is happening in stages, so it may take some time to appear on all eligible devices.
As this is a beta release, users should back up their important data before installing it. Beta software may contain bugs and could temporarily cause increased battery consumption or heating.
What do you think of the new Nothing OS 5.0 design? Let us know in the comments.
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Nothing has started rolling out the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update for the Nothing Phone (3). The new update is based on Android 17 and brings a refreshed user interface, new customisation options, improved widgets, camera enhancements, and several system improvements.
The stable update is now rolling out to Phone (3) users who participated in the Open Beta programme. For beta users, the update size is 1.68 GB. The rollout is happening in phases, so it may take some time to reach every device.
Nothing OS 5.0 Update Details
- Device: Nothing Phone (3)
- Software version: Nothing OS 5.0
- Android version: Android 17
- Update size: 1.68 GB for beta users
- Update type: Stable update
New Translucent Theme Brings a Fresh Look
One of the biggest highlights of Nothing OS 5.0 is the new Translucent Theme. It brings a frosted-glass look to the Launcher, giving the interface a fresh and modern appearance.
The theme also uses subtle accent colours inspired by the current wallpaper. Users can enable it by going to Settings > Customisation > Theme & Style > Translucent.
Nothing has also refined the status bar icons, updated the Settings interface, and introduced the new Geist typeface. These changes make the overall interface look more consistent.
Two New Lock Screen Clock Styles
Nothing OS 5.0 brings two new clock faces to the lock screen: Gooey and Micrographics. While Gooey was already available in the Open Beta, the stable update introduces Micrographics as another option for users.
Gooey offers a bold and playful look with fluid shapes, giving the lock screen a unique appearance.
Micrographics takes inspiration from the graphic design of Nothing’s hardware. It brings the date, time, weather, and upcoming meetings together in one glanceable view, making it easier to check important information directly from the lock screen.
Users can also customise the clock colour to match their preferred style. Along with these new clock faces, Nothing OS 5.0 updates the wallpaper gallery and improves the overall customisation experience.
New Glyph App and Separate Quick Settings
The update introduces a dedicated Glyph app that makes it easier to access and manage Glyph Interface settings.
Another major change is the option to separate Quick Settings and Notifications into different panels. Users can enable this option through the system settings.
Nothing OS 5.0 also allows users to arrange multiple home screen app icons in bulk, making it easier to organise the home screen without moving every icon individually. A new three-colour status bar indicator also helps users identify sensitive access, location, and AI processing activity.
New Widgets and Camera Improvements
Nothing OS 5.0 brings several new widgets, including Collector widgets that let users decorate their home screens with photos. The Away Time widget helps users track time spent away from their phones, while Glyph Timer adds another useful option to the widget drawer.
The Camera app also receives multiple improvements. Users get a new Tuning feature with seven adjustable effects, improved Presets editing, and a new 2×2 Presets widget.
Video recording has also been enhanced with Filters and Tuning support, Dual-view Video, and H.265 encoding. Nothing has also improved several camera functions, including zoom, close-up shooting, QR scanning, Google Lens, and Motion Photo playback.
Other Improvements in Nothing OS 5.0
Apart from the visual changes, the update includes several useful system improvements:
- Expanded Dark Theme support for more apps.
- Adjustable HDR brightness intensity.
- Faster Essential Voice transcription.
- Improved lock screen shortcut interactions.
- One-tap Bluetooth connection and disconnection from Quick Settings.
- Improved Live Updates.
- Noto 3D Emoji support in Gboard.
- Better transition animations and interface refinements.
These additions aim to improve the everyday experience of using the Nothing Phone (3).
How to Download Nothing OS 5.0 Stable Update
Nothing Phone (3) users can manually check for the update by following these steps:
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to System.
- Tap System Update.
- Check for the latest update and download it if available.
- Install the update and restart your phone if required.
Since the update is rolling out in phases, it may not be available to everyone immediately. .
Final Words
Nothing OS 5.0 is a major update for the Nothing Phone (3), bringing Android 17 along with a new Translucent Theme, fresh lock screen clocks, new widgets, Glyph improvements, and camera enhancements.
The new design and clock styles are among the most noticeable changes, while the additional system features make the update more useful for everyday users. If you own a Nothing Phone (3), check your phone’s system settings to see whether the stable update is available.
What do you think about the new Translucent Theme in Nothing OS 5.0? Let us know in the comments.
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