Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta Update Rollout: How to Register? List of Eligible Phones & Key Features

Nothing has announced the global rollout of its Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, offering users a sneak peek into its latest operating system update based on Android 16. This beta version allows users to explore new features like the AI usage dashboard, faster pop-up view switching, and fresh lock screen clock faces before the official release. Additionally, it introduces Essential Apps and Playground features.

The Nothing OS 4.0 Beta is currently available for the Nothing Phone 3, Phone 2, and Phone 2a series. It is expected to be accessible for the Phone 3a series later this month. However, there is no information regarding its availability for older models or CMF-branded phones. Users are advised to update their devices to the latest stable version of Nothing OS 3.5 before installing the beta.

How to Register for Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

Before starting: Make sure your phone is running the latest stable version of Nothing OS 3.5.

Installation of Open Beta

1. Download the Beta Updates Hub .apk from Nothing's official site, then install it on your Nothing device.
2. Open Settings → System → Nothing Beta Hub.
3. Tap "Join Beta" to enroll your device. Once registered, tap "Go to Update" to begin installing the beta.
4. Alternatively, you can manually check for the beta: go to Settings → System → System updates → Check for updates.

Important: Back up all your data before installing the beta. The update may interfere with existing user data and, in worst cases, require a factory reset.

Rolling Back to Stable OS

If you want to revert to the stable build:

1. Go to Settings → System → Nothing Beta Hub.
2. Tap "Import file" and select the rollback package downloaded from Nothing's website.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the rollback.

Note: Nothing has indicated that the Open Beta enrollment will close on October 14 - after that date, new registrations will not be accepted.

New Features in Nothing OS 4.0

The beta introduces an AI Usage Dashboard on the Nothing Phone 3 within Essential Space, enhancing transparency over large language model activities. Users will notice improved lock screen performance, optimised brightness levels, enhanced camera and Bluetooth stability, and better Wi-Fi connectivity.

For Phone 2 and Phone 2a series users, a Stretch camera preset developed with photographer Jordan Hemingway is available. This feature enhances photos with richer shadows and extended highlights for a unique look.

System Enhancements

The update includes system-level app optimisations that improve device startup speed across all devices. The new Essential Apps suite allows users to create personalised apps using natural language commands, which can be shared in the community-driven Playground.

Additional improvements include a new pop-up view with two floating icons, two new lock screen clock faces, support for 2 x 2 tiles in Quick Settings, and an extra dark mode option. Nothing has stated that Open Beta OTA terminals will close on October 14th; hence interested users must join before this date.