Nothing has officially launched the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta program, giving eligible Nothing phone users a taste of new features and Android 16. Nothing OS 4.0 is the firm's next major Android release, and its Beta is now available for most of its devices.
Nothing OS 4.0 Beta is here but excludes a few devices
Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta is available for the Nothing Phone (3), Phone (2), Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus. Notice the lack of the Phone (3a) series in this list? Don't worry, as the phones are a part of the Nothing OS 4.0 supported devices list but the Open Beta for the (3a) series will arrive in October with a "few new exciting features".

The likes of CMF Phone 1 and the latest Phone 2 Pro have also been excluded and will receive the beta later down the line.
As for the changelog, the Open Beta includes all the Nothing OS 4.0 features that the firm announced and has been teasing for a while. Here are all the new additions:
- Extra Dark Mode
- Pop-up views
- AI Dashboard (Phone (3)-only)
- Lock Screen clocks
- 2x2 Quick Settings tile support
The AI usage dashboard in Essential Space seems to be exclusive to Nothing Phone (3), but will probably be available for the Phone (3a) when Nothing OS 4.0 Beta rolls out, since it supports Essential Space. It gives users better transparency over large model activity.

Besides, the update includes general improvements, better AOD performance, enhanced camera stability and connectivity improvements. Lastly, the Phone (2), Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus are getting a "Stretch" Camera preset that Nothing says enhances photos with richer shadows and extended highlights.
Besides, Nothing also unveiled its plans for Essential OS, an AI-native operating system arriving soon. The firm also unveiled Essential Apps and Playground, a centralised hub for the community to share and download EQ profiles, Camera presets, Widgets and Glyph Toys.
Users with an eligible Nothing device can try out the beta by installing the Beta Updates Hub app (Download) and head over to Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.