The Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro have officially joined the list of devices receiving the Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta. After initially rolling out to the Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus, the beta is now available for the 3a series, bringing several new features and design improvements.
New Features in Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta
The latest beta introduces the updated Nothing icon design, giving the interface a cleaner and more consistent aesthetic across the system. A key highlight is the new “Stretch” Camera preset, developed in collaboration with renowned photographer Jordan Hemingway. This preset enhances photos with deeper shadows and extended highlights, providing a cinematic tone directly from the Camera app.
Another major addition is Lock Glimpse, a new lock screen experience that displays high-quality wallpapers organized into nine categories. Lock Glimpse also presents timely updates and useful content, aiming to enhance daily interactions without unlocking the device. According to Nothing, users will soon be able to show personal photos on the lock screen as part of an upcoming update.
Beta Program Details and Installation Deadline
Interested users can install the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta on their Nothing Phone 3a or 3a Pro by following the official instructions provided on the Nothing community page. However, the company has emphasized that registrations will close on November 7, 2025, meaning users must enroll before this deadline to participate in the beta program.
As with all beta versions, Nothing warns that stability issues and bugs may affect performance. Therefore, users are advised not to install the beta on their primary devices.
Consistent Experience Across the Nothing Lineup
The rest of the features in the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta for the 3a series remain consistent with earlier releases for the Phone (3) and Phone (2a). These include performance optimizations, refined animations, and deeper integration of Nothing’s minimalist design philosophy.
The update marks a major step toward the public release of Android 16 for Nothing devices, solidifying the company’s commitment to timely software updates and consistent user experience across its lineup.
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