Nothing has started rolling out the first official software update for the newly launched Nothing Phone (3). This update does not bring a new OS version, as it remains on Nothing OS 3.5, but the build number has changed to Metroid-V3.5-250711-2047-IND. The update size is 257 MB and includes several new features, improvements, and bug fixes that enhance the overall experience.

One of the key improvements is to the Glyph Interface. A new Caller ID feature has been added, allowing users to long-press the Glyph button during a call to display the contact’s name or phone number. The Essential Notification system now supports selecting either built-in or custom icons. Users will also get access to generative ringtones that include Glyph Matrix lighting effects and randomly generated vibrations. In addition, the visual effects of the Glyph interface have been improved, the stability of Glyph Toys has been enhanced, and the Glyph button is now more responsive to avoid accidental touches.

The Essential Space feature has also been upgraded. It now supports “Flip to Record,” which lets users flip the phone face down and long-press the Essential Key to instantly start taking meeting notes. These notes are automatically saved in a to-do list format, making it easier to organize tasks.

The camera system has received some significant updates as well. Core imaging enhancements have been made to improve HDR, Night Mode, and Snapshot scenes for both front and rear cameras. These changes result in better brightness control and cleaner images. HDR video processing has also been improved, offering more natural brightness and better display performance. The UltraXDR Display has been upgraded too, ensuring smoother transitions between highlights and shadows.

There are many other system improvements included in this update. The performance of a popular battle royale game has been boosted to support 120 FPS, and Wi-Fi latency has been reduced during gaming for a better experience. Private Space now allows users to switch the default Gallery app, and pocket mode has been improved to prevent accidental touches. The audio experience has also been refined by fixing noise issues that occurred while toggling spatial audio during music playback.

The update also addresses slow or inconsistent charging problems and fixes an abnormal battery level display after charging. Lastly, overall system performance and power consumption have been optimized to ensure a more stable and efficient experience.

Earlier, users of Nothing Phones were able to activate the Essential Search Bar by updating the Nothing Launcher to the latest version. While it brought some improvements, a few features were still missing — especially the useful AI Search option.

Actually, it’s from the Nothing Phone (3), which is running the latest Nothing OS 3.5 update and already has all the Essential Search features fully functional.

This new Essential AI Search (Universal Search) allows users to search for anything directly from the home screen or app drawer — no need to open Google Chrome. It shows relevant results, including images, and sometimes gives quick answers in paragraph form. However, in some cases, it may not show images.

Now, older Nothing Phones can also get this feature! We have extracted the APK (installation file) from the new Nothing Phone (3), and it works smoothly on older devices too.

Important:
Before installing the APK, make sure your phone already has Nothing Launcher version 3.3.4 or later.

Essential Search – Download

This small tweak brings the latest smart search experience to older Nothing devices without needing to wait for an official update.

Nothing has officially hinted at the release of its upcoming major software update – Nothing OS 4.0, which will be based on Android 16. This update is expected to bring a fresh experience with new features, design improvements, and better performance across several Nothing smartphones.

The first sign of this update was spotted during the launch event of the Nothing Phone (3). A screen at the event showed the message: “Nothing OS 4.0 coming soon with Android 16.” This gave a clear hint that Nothing is preparing to roll out Android 16 in the coming months, starting with its newest phone.

According to sources and recent tweets, the Nothing Phone (3) will be the first device to get this update. The open beta version of Nothing OS 4.0 could be released in September 2025, followed by a stable rollout in October. This makes sense as Phone (3) is the company’s latest flagship device.

The Phone (3a) series and the Nothing Phone (2) are expected to receive the stable update in November, while the Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, CMF Phone 1, and CMF Phone 2 Pro may get it between November and December. However, it is confirmed that the Nothing Phone (1) will not receive the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 update.

Nothing OS 4.0 is expected to be a major update with significant changes. The quick settings panel may get a refreshed design, and users can expect smoother animations throughout the interface. The app drawer layout might also be improved. In addition, the update could bring new features to the Game Mode, making gaming more efficient and immersive.

One of the most exciting expected features is Live Alerts, introduced in Android 16. This will show real-time updates like delivery progress directly on the lock screen. With Nothing’s Glyph Interface and Glyph Matrix, users may also see a progress bar in the LED lights for tracking activities like food deliveries, app alerts, and more.

Nothing’s founder Carl Pei also tweeted about Android 16’s Live Alerts, stating that it opens up new possibilities for the Glyph system. This shows that the company is working on deeper integration between software and its signature hardware features.

In short, the update rollout will begin in autumn 2025, starting with Phone (3) in October, followed by other models. If you’re using a newer Nothing phone, you can expect the Android 16 update before the end of the year.

Stay connected for more updates and hands-on coverage as soon as the beta rolls out!