Nothing has officially rolled out the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta for its mid-range lineup — the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. This comes shortly after the company introduced its Android 16-based update and began beta testing with the Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus earlier this month.
The latest Open Beta brings several of Nothing’s new design and camera features to the 3a series, marking an important step toward the brand’s next major software release.
Features of Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta for Phone (3a) and 3a Pro
New Nothing Icon Design
The update introduces a refined icon pack that follows Nothing’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Icons now feature sharper lines, improved symmetry, and adaptive colour contrast for a cleaner visual experience that aligns with the company’s evolving design philosophy.
“Stretch” Camera Preset
Developed in collaboration with photographer Jordan Hemingway, the new Stretch preset aims to deliver a cinematic tone straight from the Camera app. According to Nothing, this setting enhances photos with richer shadows, broader dynamic range, and extended highlights, producing a film-like look without the need for post-editing.
Lock Glimpse
Another highlight of the update is Lock Glimpse, a new lock screen feature that automatically displays high-resolution wallpapers and curated content. Wallpapers are grouped into nine distinct categories, ranging from abstract art to nature, and are updated periodically to keep the interface fresh.
Lock Glimpse also introduces the ability to show timely updates and useful snippets—such as reminders, motivational quotes, or contextual tips—directly on the lock screen.
Nothing has confirmed that users will soon be able to display their own photos through Lock Glimpse, though a specific timeline hasn’t been provided.
Installation and Beta Availability
Interested users can enrol in the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta through the official instructions available on the company’s website. Enrollment is open until November 7, after which new participants will no longer be able to join the beta program.
It’s worth remembering that beta versions are still under development, which means users may encounter bugs or performance inconsistencies. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid installing beta software on a primary device.
What’s Next for Nothing OS 4.0
The rest of the Nothing OS 4.0 experience for the Phone (3a) and 3a Pro remains identical to what’s already available on other models in the beta program. This includes the refreshed Nothing widgets, enhanced animations, and deeper Android 16-level privacy and performance optimisations.
With this expansion, Nothing continues to refine its Android 16-based operating system ahead of the stable release expected later this year. The brand’s focus on blending design artistry with practical functionality reinforces its growing reputation for offering one of the most distinctive Android experiences on the market.
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