Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro receive Android 16 update
Not long after the release of the Nothing Phone (3), the Android 16 update (Nothing OS 4.0) is now rolling out to the Nothing Phone (3a) series.
According to a forum post (https://nothing.community/d/48033-nothing-phone-3a-series-nothing-os-b40-251118-1551-changelog), Nothing is releasing Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, to the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. This update includes new features such as the AI usage dashboard, hiding apps, updated widget options, and upgrades to Essential Space, similar to the update on the Phone (3).
The changelog for Nothing OS 4.0 on the Phone (3a) series is as follows:
New Features:
- Added AI usage dashboard. It tracks AI large model usage in Essential Space for enhanced privacy transparency. Path: Settings > Intelligence toolkit > AI usage.
- Apps can now be hidden directly from the home screen and App drawer. Hidden apps can be found via: Home screen > App drawer > Hidden icons.
- Search scope management is now supported in the App drawer, allowing results within a specific scope.
- More size options for Weather, Pedometer, and Screen Time widgets are available.
- 2x2 size is now supported for most QuickSettings tiles.
- Pop-up view now supports two floating icons for easier switching.
- System upgrade includes app optimisation to improve startup speed. Path: Settings > Apps > App optimisation.
Essential Innovations:
- Flip to Record now allows you to take photos and add notes while recording, all stored together in Essential Space for easy access.
- Introducing Playground (Alpha) - a platform for unique creations from the community, including Essential Apps, Camera Presets, and EQ Profiles.
- Essential Apps (Alpha) are now available for download, offering AI-powered, community-crafted apps that blend creativity with efficiency.
Visual Enhancements:
- Nothing app icons have been redesigned with a fresh look.
- Updated status bar icons for better usability.
- Two new lock screen clock faces are available in Customisation.
- Extra dark mode is now available, providing a more immersive dark style. Path: Settings > Display > Dark theme > Extra dark mode.
- Improved transition animations for a smoother, more fluid experience.
Glyph Interface:
- A setting to choose whether Flip to Glyph switches the phone to Silent or Vibrate mode has been added.
- Glyph Progress now uses Android 16 Live Update notifications for better compatibility with third-party apps.
Camera Enhancements:
- Updated default presets with new popular styles.
- Filters now include intensity adjustment and exclusive 'Stretch' styles.
- Motion Photos support longer recording times and audio capture.
- New Nothing brand watermarks and artistic frames are introduced.
- Camera UI design has been refreshed with optimised interactions.
The update is currently rolling out to all users, with the rollout starting on November 28. It should be widely available by now.
For more information about Nothing:
- Review: Nothing’s CMF Headphone Pro makes you rethink bass for just $80 (https://9to5google.com/2025/11/25/nothing-cmf-headphone-pro-review/)
- Nothing’s bizarre new lock screen ‘ads’ want you to visit this sketchy clickbait farm Gallery
- Nothing Phone rolling out call recording that works with a physical button Video
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