Nothing OS 4.0
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Nothing starts stable Nothing OS 4.0 rollout for CMF Phone 1

Nothing has begun pushing the stable version of Nothing OS 4.0, based on Android 16, to the CMF Phone 1. The company describes the release as a broad refinement focused on a more personal feel, with visual updates, deeper system-wide customization, and quality-of-life improvements aimed at making day-to-day use smoother.

The rollout is described as phased, meaning not every CMF Phone 1 owner will see the update at the same time. This staged approach is common for major platform releases, letting vendors monitor early feedback and pause or adjust distribution if unexpected bugs appear at scale.

For official product and software references, see Nothing and the CMF sub-brand at CMF by Nothing.

What’s confirmed: devices and timelines

Based on the company’s rollout guidance:

  • CMF Phone 1: Stable Nothing OS 4.0 is rolling out now, in phases.
  • CMF Phone 2 Pro: The update is scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.
  • Nothing Phone (3a) Lite: The update is expected to begin at the start of January.

Nothing has provided an exact day-by-day schedule for each region or carrier channel. In most phased releases, timing can vary depending on:

  • Region and model variant
  • Carrier certification (where applicable)
  • Server-side rollout waves
  • Whether the device is enrolled in any beta or preview programs

What Nothing OS 4.0 aims to deliver

Nothing’s messaging around Nothing OS 4.0 emphasizes three broad themes:

Visual refreshes

A major OS version typically includes refinements to UI elements—animations, spacing, and visual consistency—along with changes to system panels. Nothing OS updates often focus on maintaining a clean, distinctive look while improving legibility and reducing friction in common workflows.

Deeper customization across the system

Nothing positions OS 4.0 as more personal, highlighting expanded customization. While the exact set of options can vary by device and region, “deeper customization” generally points to improvements such as:

  • More control over the look and behavior of the system UI
  • Expanded theme, icon, and layout options
  • Additional settings that previously required third-party tools

Smoother everyday use

Performance and comfort improvements are a key promise in most stable releases, especially when moving to a new Android base version. These may include:

  • Better responsiveness in common UI interactions
  • Refinements to background behavior and app management
  • Stability improvements and bug fixes
  • Security updates aligned with Android 16 requirements

For Android platform context, Google’s Android program page is available at Android.

Why a phased rollout matters (and what it means for you)

Nothing’s decision to roll out Nothing OS 4.0 in phases is a practical risk-management approach. Even after internal testing, real-world usage across networks, apps, and peripherals can expose issues that don’t appear in lab conditions.

A phased rollout typically means:

  • Some users get the update immediately, while others may wait days or weeks.
  • The update may appear first in certain regions or for certain build variants.
  • If early adopters report serious issues, the vendor can slow or temporarily halt the rollout.

If you don’t see the update right away, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with your device—it may simply be that your wave hasn’t started.

How to check for the update on CMF Phone 1

If you have a CMF Phone 1 and want to see whether Nothing OS 4.0 is available:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to System (or About phone, depending on menu structure)
  3. Tap System update
  4. Select Check for updates

A few practical tips before installing a major OS update:

  • Back up important photos and files.
  • Ensure at least 30–50% battery (or keep the phone plugged in).
  • Use a stable Wi‑Fi connection to avoid corrupted downloads.
  • After updating, allow time for background optimization; the phone may run warmer or feel slower briefly while apps re-index.

What CMF Phone 2 Pro owners should expect

Nothing says the CMF Phone 2 Pro will receive Nothing OS 4.0 in the coming weeks. That phrasing generally implies a near-term rollout rather than a long delay, but it still leaves room for staggered timing.

There are a few reasons a “Pro” model might follow later than another device in the lineup:

  • Additional camera and performance tuning required for the new Android base
  • More extensive compatibility testing for specific hardware features
  • Different regional SKUs and certification paths

If you own a CMF Phone 2 Pro, the best approach is to monitor the system update page periodically and keep an eye on Nothing’s official channels for rollout notes or changelogs.

Where the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite fits in

Nothing also indicated that the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is set to start receiving Nothing OS 4.0 at the beginning of January. While the CMF line is positioned as a value-oriented sub-brand, Nothing’s broader update cadence across models is often watched closely by buyers weighing long-term support.

In practical terms, this announcement suggests that Nothing is aligning multiple devices on Android 16 within a relatively tight window—starting late December for the CMF Phone 1, then early January for the Phone (3a) Lite, followed by the CMF Phone 2 Pro shortly after.

What this update means for buyers and existing users

Major Android version updates are important for three main reasons:

  • Security and privacy: New Android bases typically bring updated security frameworks, tighter permission behaviors, and patches.
  • App compatibility longevity: Over time, some apps—especially banking, payments, and enterprise tools—raise minimum Android requirements.
  • Resale value and device lifespan: Phones with current software support tend to retain value and remain usable longer.

For CMF Phone 1 owners, getting the stable Android 16-based release now is a meaningful milestone in the device’s support timeline. For CMF Phone 2 Pro owners, the “coming weeks” window indicates Nothing is close to broadening the Android 16 rollout across the CMF family.

What to watch next

Over the next few weeks, the key developments to track will be:

  • Whether Nothing publishes a detailed changelog per device build
  • Any early reports of bugs (battery drain, connectivity issues, camera regressions)
  • The first rollout wave timing for CMF Phone 2 Pro
  • Confirmation of the January rollout start for Nothing Phone (3a) Lite

As the phased rollout expands, users should expect incremental build updates that address early feedback—common for major Android transitions.

Bottom line

Nothing has started delivering the stable Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0 to CMF Phone 1 users via a phased rollout. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is next in line, with Nothing saying it will receive the update in the coming weeks, while the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is scheduled to begin receiving it at the start of January.

For CMF Phone 1 owners, the update should appear automatically in the system updater as your rollout wave arrives; for everyone else, the next few weeks should clarify how quickly Nothing brings the rest of its midrange lineup onto Android 16.


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