Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16 Beta Registrations Open
Google released stable Android 16 last month for the Pixel lineup. The AOSP repositories have been seeding for other smartphone manufacturers ever since. Following Samsung’s One UI 8, Nothing has stepped up by announcing Nothing OS 4.0 closed beta program for the Phone 3. Android 16 development has officially begun at Nothing Tech.
Android 16 features focused on app adaptability, enhanced user engagement, professional-grade media capabilities, and improved accessibility.
Key Highlights of Nothing OS 4.0 Beta Program
- Nothing is offering a closed beta of Nothing OS 4.0 powered by Android 16 for Phone (3) owners
- This is a token of appreciation for early supporters
- Focus is on Android 16’s native features and implementing a more robust design system
- Beta period is from August 2025 to early September
- Open beta expected in September
- Sign-up deadline is 5pm BST on Sunday 3rd August 2025
- Requirements include owning Phone (3), daily usage, willingness to provide feedback, etc.
- Community responses show excitement
The Beta Program Details: What Phone (3) Users Need to Know
Nothing, the London-based technology company founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has made a significant announcement that’s generating excitement among its Phone (3) user base. The company is launching a closed beta program for Nothing OS 4.0, powered by Google’s upcoming Android 16 operating system, exclusively for Phone (3) owners.
Timeline and Availability
The closed beta program follows a carefully structured timeline designed to ensure quality and stability:
- Sign-up Deadline: August 3rd, 2025 (5pm BST)
- Beta Period: August 2025 through early September 2025
- Open Beta Release: Expected in September 2025
- Participant Notification: Within one week after form submission
This timeline suggests Nothing is taking a measured approach to the rollout, allowing sufficient time for bug identification and fixes before the broader open beta release.
Eligibility Requirements and Expectations
Nothing has established clear criteria for beta participation, reflecting the serious nature of testing pre-release software:
Essential Requirements:
- Must own and daily-drive a Phone (3)
- Commitment to providing regular feedback
- Willingness to maintain high information security standards
- Understanding that beta software can be unstable
- Preparation for potential feature limitations or malfunctions
Nothing OS 4.0 Feature Expectations from Android 16
According to the announcement, Nothing OS 4.0 will focus on “implementing a more robust design system which will set the foundation for a more cohesive UI moving forward.”
Google’s Android 16 brings significant changes to Android ecosystem, and Nothing’s early adoption signals confidence in both the platform and their ability to customize it effectively. While specific Android 16 features haven’t been fully detailed by Nothing, we can expect Android 16 featrues to come to Nothing Phones.
- Enhanced privacy controls
- Improved performance optimization
- Advanced AI integration capabilities
- Refined user interface elements
- Better battery management systems
Material 3 Expressive Design
Nothing Tech may adopt Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design language which emphasizes on accessibility and user-friendly interactions. This design philosophy aims to make Android more intuitive and responsive to user needs, setting the stage for a more cohesive and visually appealing user experience across all Android devices.
However, the stable Android 16 only lays the foundation for Material 3 Expressive design for Google apps and Android OS. Material 3 Expressive will be rolled out later this year in September 2025. So stay tuned!
Live Updates
One of the most practical additions to Android 16 is the introduction of live updates for notifications. This feature addresses a common frustration many users face – constantly checking apps for status updates. Whether you’re waiting for a food delivery or tracking a ride-share, live updates provide real-time information directly in your notification panel.
Initially launching with compatible ride-share and food delivery applications, this feature represents a collaborative effort between Google and app developers to enhance the Android ecosystem. The functionality extends beyond stock Android, with Samsung integrating it into their Now Bar and OPPO/OnePlus incorporating it into their Live Alerts system.
Intelligent Notification Grouping
Android 16 also tackles notification overload through automatic grouping of notifications from single applications. This force-grouping feature helps maintain a clean, organized notification panel by consolidating related notifications, reducing visual clutter and making it easier to manage your digital communications.
One-Tap Security Enhancement
Security takes center stage in Android 16 with the introduction of Advanced Protection, Google’s most robust mobile device security suite. This comprehensive protection system can be activated with a single tap, providing users with an array of security features designed to defend against:
- Online attacks
- Harmful applications
- Unsafe websites
- Scam calls
- Sophisticated cyber threats
Whether you’re a public figure, business professional, or simply someone who prioritizes digital security, Advanced Protection offers peace of mind against even the most advanced security threats.
Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts and Taskbar Enhancements
Later this year, Android 16 will introduce custom keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to create personalized hotkey combinations for frequently used functions. Additionally, taskbar overflow functionality will provide a visual solution for finding applications when the taskbar reaches capacity.
External Display Connectivity
Looking toward the future, Android 16 will support connecting tablets and phones to external displays for an expanded desktop experience. This feature is already available for developer testing, indicating Google’s commitment to blurring the lines between mobile and desktop computing.
Additional Features and Future Updates
Android 16 includes numerous additional improvements that enhance the overall user experience:
- HDR Screenshots: Capture high dynamic range images directly from your screen
- Adaptive Refresh Rate: Intelligent display optimization for better battery life and performance
- Identity Check: Enhanced security verification processes
List of Nothing Phone Receiving Android 16
While the eligibility for Nothing Phone 1 Android 16 is unknown, the following device will surely receive Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16.
- Nothing Phone 2
- Nothing Phone 2a
- Nothing Phone 2a Plus
- Nothing Phone 3a
- Nothing Phone 3a Pro
- Nothing Phone 3
How to download Nothing OS 4.0 Beta?
Before you proceed,
Disclaimer: This build of Android 16 is still in an early stage of development and some features might be missing or not working. It is recommended that you back up your device regularly during the trial. More disclaimers can be found in the sign-up form.
Conclusion
For the broader Android ecosystem, Nothing’s rapid adoption of Android 16 sets a new standard for OEM responsiveness to Google’s platform updates. This could pressure other manufacturers to accelerate their own update timelines and invest more heavily in community engagement programs.
As the beta program progresses through August and September, the smartphone we will be watching closely to see whether Nothing can successfully differentiate itself through software innovation and community engagement, or whether the challenges of beta testing and timeline pressure will impact the final product quality.
