Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta lands with AI flair: How to download, new features, eligible devices

Nothing has kicked off the global rollout of its Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, giving users a first look at what’s next for its minimalist ecosystem. Built on Android 16, the update brings an extra layer of polish, and some clever new AI-driven tricks, to the brand’s distinct design DNA.

Available now for the Nothing Phone 3, Phone 2, and Phone 2a series, the beta will open to the Phone 3a lineup later this month. Those eager to try it must first update to the latest stable build (Nothing OS 3.5) before joining the beta through the Nothing Beta Hub. The window to enroll closes on October 14, after which new registrations won’t be accepted.

How to install the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

Before you start make sure your device runs the latest Nothing OS 3.5 stable version. Also, back up all important data since beta software can sometimes require a factory reset.

How to install Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the Beta Updates Hub APK from Nothing’s community page
Step 2: Install the APK on your compatible Nothing Phone
Step 3: Go to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub
Step 4: Tap Join Beta to enroll your device
Step 5: Once registered, tap Go to Update to begin downloading the beta
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions and let the phone reboot after installation

Alternatively, you can check manually under Settings > System > System updates > Check for updates.

ALSO READ: Nothing OS 4.0 is here to make AI a little less mysterious and a lot more intuitive

To roll back to the stable version:

Step 1: Download the rollback package from Nothing’s website
Step 2: Go to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub
Step 3: Tap Import file and select the rollback package
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to restore your device to a stable version

Nothing OS 4.0: Smarter, faster, and a little more playful

The standout addition this time is the AI Usage Dashboard, found within the Nothing Phone 3’s “Essential Space”. It gives users a transparent look at how AI models operate on-device, a small but significant nod to growing privacy consciousness.

There’s also the new Essential Apps suite, letting users create mini apps using natural language prompts, and a Playground hub where these can be shared with the community. Everyday usability gets a boost too. You get quicker pop-up switching, optimised brightness, and smoother lock screen animations.

Camera fans get something special as well. A Stretch preset, crafted in collaboration with photographer Jordan Hemingway, enhances photos with deeper shadows and extended highlights, giving them an artsy, editorial feel.

Elsewhere, system-level tweaks make startup times faster across all devices, and you’ll spot fresh touches like new lock screen clock faces, extra dark mode options, and 2×2 Quick Settings tiles.

Are you excited to try Nothing OS 4.0 out? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for updates on all things tech.