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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