Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta Arrives: Introducing ‘Essential’ AI Apps and Refined Design

Nothing has officially launched the Open Beta for Nothing OS 4.0, giving users an early look at the company’s next major software release, which is based on Android 16. This update is a significant step forward, not only bringing a refined aesthetic but also introducing a suite of features centered around its new “Essential” AI platform, signaling Nothing’s ambition to move towards a more personalized and AI-native operating system.

The Dawn of ‘Essential’ AI and Playground

The most talked-about feature is the integration of the Essential AI platform, which aims to make software creation accessible to all users.

• Essential Apps (No-Code Creation): Nothing has introduced Essential Apps, a new concept where users can create lightweight, utility-focused widgets simply by describing what they need using natural language prompts. For instance, a user could ask the AI to “create a water intake tracker” or “show my daily steps,” and the system will generate a functional mini-application. This is a foundational step towards a “hyper-personalised” smartphone experience where the device adapts to the user’s needs without requiring coding knowledge.
• Playground: The Community Hub: These AI-generated Essential Apps, along with other community creations like Camera Presets, Glyph Toys, and EQ Profiles, can be shared and downloaded via Playground, a new community-driven hub. This acts as an alternative, collaborative storefront, encouraging user-led innovation.
• AI Usage Dashboard (Phone (3) Exclusive): For enhanced transparency, the Nothing Phone (3) receives an AI usage dashboard within its Essential Space. This allows users to monitor the activity of large AI models directly on the device, ensuring they remain informed and in control of their data.

Supported Devices for the Open Beta

The Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta is initially available for a selection of the company’s most recent devices:

• Nothing Phone (3)
• Nothing Phone (2)
• Nothing Phone (2a)
• Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

Nothing has also confirmed that the Open Beta for the Phone (3a) series is scheduled to arrive later in October, bringing additional exclusive features for those models.

How to Enrol in the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

Users interested in experiencing the new features first can enroll in the beta program, though they are strongly advised to back up all their data, as beta software can be unstable and may necessitate a factory reset. The enrolment window is time-limited, with the company stating that the OTA terminals will close on October 14th.

Here are the general steps to join:

1. Ensure Latest Stable Build: Make sure your supported Nothing device is running the latest stable version of Nothing OS 3.5.
2. Download Beta Updates Hub: Download and install the Beta Updates Hub .apk file from Nothing’s official community website.
3. Join the Beta: Navigate to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub. Tap on “Join Beta” to register your device.
4. Install the Update: After successful registration, tap “Go to Update” to begin the installation. If the automated update fails, you can manually check via Settings > System > System updates.

Design Refinements and System Enhancements

Beyond the AI focus, Nothing OS 4.0 brings notable refinements to the core user experience, sticking to Nothing’s signature monochromatic and minimalist aesthetic.

• Refined Interface: The OS features a sharper, more thoughtful design, standardizing components and streamlining the look across the system.
• Extra Dark Mode: A new Extra Dark Mode has been introduced, offering an even deeper dark aesthetic designed to reduce eye strain and potentially conserve battery power.
• Improved Multitasking: The new Pop-up View now supports two floating app icons, making task switching faster and smoother for improved multitasking flow.
• Quick Settings and Lock Screen: The update introduces support for 2×2 Quick Settings tiles and offers two additional lock screen clock faces for more personalisation.
• Photography Upgrade: For the Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus, a new “Stretch” Camera preset has been added. Developed in collaboration with photographer Jordan Hemingway, this preset is designed to enhance photos with richer shadows and extended highlights for a more cinematic look.
• Performance Optimisation: System-wide improvements include general stability enhancements, better lock screen and Always-On Display (AOD) performance, optimised brightness behaviour, and strengthened Wi-Fi, network, and Bluetooth stability.

Nothing OS 4.0 represents more than just a standard annual update; it is a foundational release laying the groundwork for Nothing’s future vision of an AI-centric mobile experience. Users joining the beta will be among the first to test this shift toward highly personalized, community-driven software.