Nothing
Nothing OS 4.0 with Android 16: Release Timeline, Features, and Eligible Devices
Nothing is getting ready to release its next major software update, Nothing OS 4.0, which will be based on Android 16. Recently, the company began a closed beta test for the Nothing Phone (3). Many users have already participated, and the application window for this beta closed five days ago. According to an official post in the Nothing Community by team member Rob Godwin, the open beta for Android 16 on the Phone (3) will roll out in September 2025.
Other Nothing smartphones, including the Phone (3a) series, Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, CMF Phone 1, and CMF Phone 2 Pro, are expected to receive the open beta between October and November. If everything goes as planned, the stable version of Android 16 could reach most supported devices by November 2025. However, the Nothing Phone (1) will not receive the update. For the Nothing Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1, this will be the last major software update they get.
The update will also bring several new Android 16 features. These include Advanced Protection Mode, which adds an extra security layer to prevent malicious apps from exploiting sensitive data, and Search in Photo Picker, which will make it easier to find images from your gallery or Google Photos. Another addition is Predictive Back Gestures for smoother navigation with visual hints.
One of the most exciting changes is the arrival of Live Updates, similar to iOS Live Activities, which will show real-time tracking information on your lock screen, such as food delivery status. The Material You Expressive design will also be improved, offering refreshed colors and themes for supported apps like Google Keep and the Phone app. It will have more features that will be introuced by Nothing team as well apart from Android 16 native features.
The exact stable release date for Nothing OS 4.0 has not been officially confirmed. However, based on the company’s hints, most supported devices could receive Android 16 before the end of 2025. The Nothing community is already buzzing with excitement, with many users sharing their wish lists of features they want to see in this major update.
Nothing has rolled out a new update for its Essential Space app (version 1.0.13), bringing some useful features and improvements for users.
One of the biggest highlights is the transcription feature, now available on the Nothing Phone (3). With this, users can get a complete transcription of their Flip to Record content, making it easier to keep track of recordings in written form.
The update also adds a Select All option within individual modules, giving users better control and convenience while managing their content.
Apart from new features, the update also focuses on improving the overall experience. It includes several bug fixes and stability enhancements to make the app run smoother and more reliable.
Nothing continues to improve Essential Space with regular updates, ensuring users get more value and a seamless experience on their devices.
Nothing has rolled out a new software update for the Nothing Phone (2a). The update is called Nothing OS 3.2 (September Update) and is now available to users. It comes with a download size of 158 MB and also includes the latest September 1, 2025 Android security patch.
One of the most notable changes in this update is the introduction of the Nothing Gallery app as the default photo viewer in the camera app. Users now get the option to choose between Nothing Gallery and Google Photos, but the company recommends using its own gallery for faster previews and smoother performance. This move highlights Nothing’s efforts to strengthen its in-house ecosystem.
The update also adds new features to widgets. Along with the Photo widget, users can now share the Pedometer widget (step counter) and the Screen Time widget with others. The update further enhances interaction by introducing a set of new nine stickers that can be used to react when sharing widgets, giving users more expressive options.
In terms of the camera, Nothing claims to have improved stability and performance. The camera app version has been upgraded, and users may notice slight differences in colors and sharpness, particularly in ultra-wide shots. These refinements are aimed at delivering a more reliable photography experience on the Phone (2a).
The update also addresses several system issues and optimizations. Stability for the pop-up view feature has been improved, and a bug that prevented PDF files from opening in cloned apps like WhatsApp and Telegram has been fixed. The Voice over NR (VoNR) icon has been redesigned for better clarity in the status bar. In addition, battery usage has been optimized when connecting smartwatches, especially with the CMF Watch 2 Pro.
Other improvements include fixes for font display issues in apps such as Instagram and Reddit when using the Inter font, along with general system performance and stability enhancements.
Overall, the Nothing OS 3.2 September Update brings useful new features, smoother performance, and important fixes. For Nothing Phone (2a) users, installing this update is highly recommended to get the best experience on their device.
I tested Nothing’s Essential Space on the Nothing Phone (3) and OnePlus Mind Space on the OnePlus 11. Both look similar on the surface, but the way they work feels very different. Let’s break it down.
Nothing Essential Space has a dedicated Essential Key button. Just double press, and the app opens instantly. From there, you can create summaries, reminders, or even voice notes. Everything is simple and fast.
OnePlus Mind Space works with a three-finger swipe gesture. It opens smoothly and also creates summaries and reminders, but you need to do more manual steps compared to Nothing.
The big win for Essential Space is that it syncs directly with Google Calendar. Add a reminder once, and it’s already there. You can even record voice notes or use the camera app to analyze photos and auto-generate descriptions.
Mind Space, on the other hand, shines with app-wise sorting. For example, it can organize summaries by WhatsApp, Chrome, or Twitter, which is quite useful. But adding reminders is manual, and sharing options are limited.
Nothing also adds cool exclusive features like Flip-to-Record, where you just flip the phone, hold the key, and it records with Glyph animations. Later, the AI auto-summarizes your entire meeting or talk into English text. Super handy!
Sharing is also easier on Nothing. You can export your notes as an image, PDF, or Markdown and send them anywhere. On OnePlus, you only get the delete option, which feels basic.
Overall, Nothing Essential Space feels more polished and feature-rich, while OnePlus Mind Space is still catching up. The app-wise sorting on OnePlus is neat, but Nothing’s extra features make it the better option for now.
Also did a video for this. You can give it a watch on YouTube: