Nothing OS 4.0 is no longer just a preview, the official stable update is now rolling out, and it’s already live on supported devices, including the Nothing Phone 2 Pro. Based on Android 16, this update represents the most polished and feature-rich version of Nothing’s software so far.
With a strong focus on clarity, transparency, and performance, Nothing OS 4.0 refines nearly every part of the user experience from system visuals to AI controls and camera tools while staying true to Nothing’s minimalist design philosophy.
Nothing OS 4.0: What’s New in the Official Release
According to the official system update notes, Nothing OS 4.0 introduces a wide range of functional, visual, and performance improvements designed for both power users and everyday smartphone owners.
AI Transparency Takes Center Stage
One of the most important additions in Nothing OS 4.0 is the AI Usage Dashboard, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to user trust and privacy.
AI Usage Dashboard
- Automatically tracks AI large model usage
- Especially active when using Essential Space
- Clear visibility into when AI features are running
- Path: Settings > Intelligence Toolkit > AI Usage
This feature ensures users always know how system intelligence is being used without compromising personal data.
Smarter System Features & Everyday Enhancements
Nothing OS 4.0 brings several quality-of-life improvements that make daily usage smoother and more customizable.
New & Improved System Features
- Hide apps directly from the home screen and app drawer
- Path: Home screen > App drawer > Hidden icons
- Search scope management in the app drawer for more accurate results
- More widget size options for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time
- 2×2 tile size support for most Quick Settings toggles
- Pop-up View now supports two floating app icons for faster multitasking
- App optimisation engine improves startup speed
- Path: Settings > Apps > App Optimisation
- Separate ringtones for dual SIMs are now supported
These additions make the system feel more flexible while remaining easy to use.
Visual Enhancements: Cleaner, Darker, Better
Nothing OS 4.0 delivers a noticeable visual refresh across the interface.
Design & UI Updates
- Redesigned Nothing app icons with a fresh, modern look
- Updated status bar icons for improved clarity
- Two new lock screen clock faces added in Customisation
- Extra Dark Mode for a deeper, more immersive dark theme
- Path: Settings > Display > Dark Theme > Extra Dark Mode
The result is a cleaner, more cohesive interface that reduces visual noise while enhancing usability especially on OLED displays.
Camera & Media Enhancements
Photography and media tools have also received meaningful upgrades.
Camera Improvements
- Updated camera presets with new popular styles
- Filter intensity adjustment for better creative control
- Exclusive “Stretch” filter styles added
- New Nothing-branded watermarks and artistic frames
These enhancements allow users to personalize their shots while keeping the signature Nothing aesthetic intact.
Essential Innovations: Playground (Alpha)
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces Playground (Alpha) a new space for community-driven creativity.
What Is Playground?
- A hub for community-created Essential Apps
- Includes camera presets, EQ profiles, and more
- Essential Apps (Alpha) are now open for download
- AI-powered tools designed to blend creativity with efficiency
Users can explore more at the official Playground portal mentioned in the update notes.
Performance, Stability & Update Notes
- Device may temporarily heat up during installation
- Power consumption may increase briefly during the update
- System automatically stabilizes after completion
Update Size
- 2.19 GB
Nothing recommends backing up important data and ensuring sufficient battery before installation.
Final Verdict: Is Nothing OS 4.0 Worth the Update?
Absolutely. Nothing OS 4.0 feels like a mature evolution of the platform rather than a radical overhaul. The official release focuses on:
- Transparency in AI usage
- Practical multitasking improvements
- Refined visuals and deeper dark mode
- Smarter system controls and faster performance
For users on the Nothing Phone 2 Pro and other supported devices, this update delivers a smoother, cleaner, and more confident Android experience.
