Nothing OS 4.0 rollout begins after weeks of beta testing: Expected eligible devices and features

After weeks of rigorous beta testing with a dedicated community of users, the stable rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 has officially commenced. This update, based on Android 14, marks the most significant evolution of Nothing’s unique software philosophy since the brand's inception. It is not merely an Android version jump; It is a deliberate refinement of the "Nothing" experience, focusing on enhanced customisation, sharper aesthetics, and deeper functionality that complements the company's transparent hardware design.

For Nothing phone users, this rollout represents the culmination of a transparent beta process where community feedback directly shaped the final product. Let us explore the devices eligible for this upgrade and examine the standout features that define Nothing OS 4.0.

Eligible Devices: A Two-Phase Rollout

Nothing has adopted a phased rollout strategy to ensure a smooth and stable deployment. The update will reach devices in waves, starting with the newest models.

Phase 1: Initial Rollout (Starting Now)

Nothing Phone (2): As the current flagship, the Phone (2) is the first in line to receive the stable Nothing OS 4.0 update. Owners of this device can expect to see the notification first.

Nothing Phone (1): The pioneering device will follow very closely in the initial phase. Nothing has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting its first-generation phone, ensuring it remains up to date with the latest software innovations.

Phase 2: Subsequent Rollout (Following Shortly After)

Nothing Phone (2a): The popular mid-range contender will be part of the second wave. The beta testing for the Phone (2a) ran concurrently, meaning the stable build is well-tuned, and its rollout should not be far behind the flagship models.

This clear and predictable rollout plan ensures that each device receives a polished version of the OS, minimising the risk of widespread bugs. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > System Update.

Unpacking the Features: What is New in Nothing OS 4.0?

Nothing OS 4.0 is built on three core pillars: a refreshed and more customizable visual language, practical new features, and a stronger integration of Nothing’s ecosystem.

1. A Bold Step in Visual Customisation:

The most immediately noticeable change is the vastly expanded customisation suite. Nothing has always championed individuality, and OS 4.0 takes this to a new level.

New Grid Design for Glyph Interface: The Glyph Interface on the back of the phones receives its most significant software upgrade yet. Users can now create custom ringtones and notifications that correspond to unique Glyph light patterns. Furthermore, the new "Glyph Progress" feature allows you to set timers and track delivery orders directly via the segmented Glyph lights, turning the back of your phone into a minimalist progress bar.

Monochrome Theme & Revamped Widgets: A new, pure black-and-white theme reinforces the brand's minimalist ethos. The home screen and lock screen widgets have been completely redesigned with more granular options for size, information display, and transparency, allowing users to build a truly unique and functional interface.

Moving beyond the static monochrome, OS 4.0 introduces the ability to generate a system-wide colour palette based on your wallpaper. This brings a subtle, personalised splash of colour to the UI while maintaining Nothing's distinct aesthetic.

2. Enhanced Functionality and Performance

Beneath the surface, Android 14 brings a host of improvements that Nothing has optimised for its hardware.

Leveraging Android 14's under-the-hood enhancements, Nothing OS 4.0 offers smoother multitasking and better app retention in the background, ensuring a more consistent performance experience.

The update incorporates all of Android 14's privacy boosts, including more detailed information about how apps use your data and streamlined permissions. The security patch level is also brought up to date, protecting your device from the latest vulnerabilities.

Accessibility Upgrades: Nothing has placed a strong emphasis on accessibility with new options like a larger display font size, gesture controls, and sound balance settings, making the phones more usable for a wider audience.

3. Smoother Ecosystem Integration

While still in its early stages, Nothing OS 4.0 lays the groundwork for a more cohesive Nothing ecosystem. The integration with the recently launched Nothing CMF Buds and the Nothing Ear and Ear (a) series is more seamless, with quicker pairing and a more unified device control interface within the settings.

Conclusion: Refining the Vision:

The stable rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 is a significant milestone for the young brand. It demonstrates maturity in its software approach, moving from a novel concept to a robust, user-centric operating system, by listening to its community during the beta and delivering an update that significantly enhances both form and function. Nothing is solidifying its position as a brand that offers a genuine alternative in a homogenised market. For eligible Phone (1), (2), and (2a) users, the wait is over—a smarter, more personalised, and distinctive Nothing experience is now just an update away.