After setting the scene with a few teasers, Nothing has finally launched the all-new Android 16-based Nothing OS 4.0. With the new update, the manufacturer has introduced an updated visual interface while retaining the quintessential Nothing elements that help the brand stand apart. Nothing has stated that it focuses on bringing an even more simplified and functional experience with the new update.
What’s New
Nothing OS 4.0 features a redesigned Quick Settings toggle, reducing the cluttered feel and introducing new, wider tile formats to ensure better readability and detail. Beyond such changes, the brand has also reworked its dark mode with enhanced contrast settings to ensure better readability in various lighting conditions.
As per a report by GSMArena, the screen slider is much more responsive, and Nothing has also added all-new Always-On Display options.
Nothing OS 4.0 Floating Applications
The new update also brings support for two floating app icons for faster multitasking and quicker switching between apps. The new application optimization feature brings more responsive and smoother app launches. To further streamline the user experience, Nothing has also reworked the camera app and added a smarter gallery app featuring additional controls, presets, and a significantly better layout.
Similarity To Apple
In the recent past, Apple had poached one of the lead designers from Nothing, and joking about the same, Carl Pei had made a statement in a social media post. The unspoken rivalry continues, as users over on social media claim that the new OS bears a slightly similar appearance to the latest Apple OS.
New beginning @Apple pic.twitter.com/AGWFNNiHtG
— Mladen M. Hoyss (@HoyssMladen) May 18, 2025
The minimal outlay, along with the new subtle colour palette, has made the new OS appear slightly similar to Apple’s latest update. Both brands consider design to be their forte, and hence, it’s only inevitable that the two show some overlap.
While Apple’s new update is aimed at coherence and synergy in the user experience across the Apple ecosystem, the new Nothing OS update is more focused on enhancing user convenience, particularly with improvements to dark mode. The floating tile design, along with customizable AI actions, further adds to the phone’s usability. The open beta for the new update will be available soon.
