Nothing OS 4.0 Based On Android 16 Coming This Autum, Nothing Phone 3 Will Get It First

The Nothing Phone 3 was introduced in India on Tuesday, featuring the Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.5. During the launch event, the UK-based startup hinted at an upcoming Android 16 update. Although Google released Android 16 last month, only Pixel devices have received it so far. This teaser suggests that Nothing smartphones might soon receive the Android 16 update.

Wrapping up details about the Nothing Phone 3 in a launch video on the official Nothing YouTube channel, CEO Carl Pei mentioned that the phone comes with Nothing OS 3.5. He further hinted that Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, will start shipping to devices "later this autumn". This suggests a release window between September and November.

Android Update Timeline

Google unveiled Android 16's stable version following its I/O 2025 event last month. However, only Pixel devices have begun receiving this update, while other manufacturers continue testing beta versions. Carl Pei's recent announcement indicates that Nothing could soon align with Google's timeline for updates.

The Nothing Phone 3 is anticipated to be the first device from the company to receive the Android 16 update. This expectation stems from it being described as their "first true flagship smartphone". Details about this update remain scarce for now.

Previous Update Rollouts

The Nothing OS 3.0 update, based on Android 15, was introduced in September alongside its global release. An open beta began a month later, allowing users to explore new features before its public release in December. The rollout reached all phones in Nothing's lineup within weeks.

We can anticipate a similar timeline for the launch of Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 once it becomes available in autumn. The swift rollout of previous updates suggests a consistent approach to delivering new software across their devices.