Nothing OS 4.0 Roadmap: When Will Your Phone Get Android 16?

Following the successful deployment of Android 16 to its flagship Nothing Phone (3), the London-based consumer tech company is shifting gears to bring its latest software experience to the wider ecosystem. Nothing has officially clarified the release window for Nothing OS 4.0, outlining a roadmap that promises to update the vast majority of its portfolio before the end of 2025.

While the company has stopped short of providing specific calendar dates, the released timeline offers a clear window for users eagerly awaiting the new interface.

The Holiday Wave: Phone 2 and 3a Series

According to the official schedule, the rollout is imminent for the company’s mid-range and previous-generation heavyweights. Over the next one to two weeks—bridging late November and early December—the update notification should appear on the following devices:

• Nothing Phone (3a) & (3a) Pro

• Nothing Phone (2)

• Nothing Phone (2a)

This rapid deployment suggests that Nothing has streamlined its adaptation of Android 16, closing the gap between its flagship and mid-range offerings significantly faster than in previous years.

CMF and Budget Models: The End-of-Year Push

The company’s sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, is also included in the accelerated roadmap. Users of the CMF Phone 1 and the CMF Phone 2 Pro can expect the update to land in the second half of December. This ensures that the budget-friendly lineup will be running the latest software before the new year rings in.

However, owners of the entry-level Nothing Phone (3a) Lite will have to wait slightly longer. That device is currently scheduled to receive the overhaul in early 2026, likely in January.

Notable Absentee: The Phone (1)

Perhaps the most significant detail in the announcement is what was not mentioned. The roadmap explicitly covers the current lineup but excludes the original Nothing Phone (1). This suggests that the company’s debut handset may have reached the end of its major OS upgrade cycle, or that its update is delayed indefinitely pending further optimization.

Before You Update: Critical Preparations

Nothing OS 4.0 is a substantial overhaul, bringing the architectural changes of Android 16 along with Nothing’s signature aesthetic tweaks. Consequently, the update file is substantial, weighing in between 3GB and 5GB.

Users are advised to check for the update manually by navigating to Settings > System > System updates. To ensure a smooth installation process, verify that your device has ample storage space available and that the battery is charged to at least 40% before initiating the download.