Nothing OS 4.0 Update Based on Android 16 is Rolling Out to the Nothing Phone 3a, Phone 3a Pro

Nothing has started releasing the stable Nothing OS 4.0 update for the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, bringing Android 16, new AI controls and several interface tweaks. The software also updates Glyph features, improves widgets, adds an Extra Dark Mode option and refines camera tools for regular use.

The update's headline change is an AI Usage Dashboard inside Essential Space, which tracks large model activity. This view helps users see how AI features behave on the device, and gives more control over usage. Essential Space itself receives general improvements alongside this monitoring tool.

Nothing OS 4.0 Update Visual Changes and Customisation Features

Nothing OS 4.0 refreshes the Phone 3a series interface with redesigned Nothing app icons and smoother transition animations. Status bar icons get updated styling, while two new lock screen clock faces appear. A new Extra Dark Mode sits under Settings > Display > Dark theme > Extra dark mode for deeper blacks.

Widgets gain several additions with the Nothing OS 4.0 update. Weather, Pedometer and Screen Time widgets now offer more size choices, giving users flexible layouts. Most Quick Settings toggles support 2x2 tiles, helping key controls stay more visible. The update also tunes overall startup speed for quicker boot and app launches.

Nothing OS 4.0 Rollout Brings Enhanced Privacy Controls

Nothing says the Nothing OS 4.0 update, version B4.0-251118-1551, is rolling out in phases for the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro. Users who have not received a notification can check manually through Settings > System > System Update to see if the Android 16-based build is available.

Privacy tools expand as the Nothing OS 4.0 update lets users hide apps straight from the Home screen and the App drawer. Hidden apps remain accessible through Home Screen > App Drawer > Hidden Icons. This approach keeps sensitive apps away from casual view while remaining reachable when needed.

Better Camera Controls and Smarter Glyph Interactions

The Flip to Record feature, which allows users to capture photos and add notes while recording, is refined in Nothing OS 4.0. There is also a new setting that decides whether Flip to Glyph switches the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro to Silent or Vibrate mode during use.

Glyph Progress now works with Android 16 Live Update notifications, showing progress information alongside the rear lights. Nothing OS 4.0 also adds Playground (Alpha) and Essential Apps (Alpha), expanding experimental areas inside the software. Camera changes cover presets, filters, motion photos, watermarks and interface adjustments for more direct control.

The Nothing OS 4.0 release coincides with the Nothing Phone 3a Lite launch in India and follows a recent "Nothing Drops Cryptic Teaser: Here's What It Means" campaign. Together, the update and new hardware show Nothing's current Android 16 plans for the Phone 3a family and related devices.