The Android 16-based Nothing OS 4 update was initially rolled out for the Nothing Phone 3 and shortly after extended to earlier models such as the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus. However, users quickly encountered issues, prompting Nothing to temporarily halt the update while working on fixes. The pause comes after reports surfaced that the update was missing for some users, and that an unexpected message led to confusion and concern among the community.
Confusing Beta Enrollment Message Triggers Pause
Users who installed the update noticed that their device displayed a message indicating enrollment in the Android Beta Program, despite the release being a stable update. This unexpected prompt caused uncertainty and was a key factor in Nothing’s decision to pause the OS 4 rollout.
While those who updated early are still able to use the stable version, users who have yet to install the update currently do not see it as an option. Nothing has communicated its intention to provide a hotfix addressing this issue soon.
New Features and Visual Refreshes Included in OS 4
The Nothing OS 4 upgrade introduces several UI enhancements including revamped status bar icons such as a new Dual SIM icon, horizontal battery icon, and battery percentage displayed outside the battery icon. Additionally, users will notice updated Wi-Fi and data icons, a new lockscreen blur effect, improved charging animations, and an updated power-saving icon.
"We highly appreciate you for the clarification. We received feedback from the relevant team and we regret to inform you we have temporarily halted and removed the current 4.0 rollout and are working on an urgent fix. Once the corrected version has completed urgent testing: Users who already updated to 4.0 will receive a new patched update. Users who have not received the new 4.0 update will receive the proper official version once the rollout resumes. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to deliver a stable update as soon as possible."
Owners of the Nothing Phone (2) reportedly installed the update without major issues but shared minor bugs including status bar icon visibility resetting, small UI glitches in settings, and missing navigation bar animations.
What Users of Nothing Phone (2a) and (2a) Plus Can Expect
Nothing plans to release a hotfix within the next one to two days to resolve the beta program notification problem. Following this, the company aims to resume and complete the OS 4 rollout for the Nothing Phone (2a) and (2a) Plus models. Although no official public announcement of the halt has been made, some users have received direct emails confirming the temporary suspension.
Those who have successfully installed OS 4 will get a patched update, while others will be provided the full OTA update once distribution recommences. Users fortunate enough to have the update can continue to use it without significant concerns, but remaining users are advised to await forthcoming fixes.
For smaller players like Nothing, delivering flawless experiences is critical to gaining market trust, especially when competing with industry giants such as Apple, Samsung, and Google. Even seemingly modest software errors may have lasting effects on brand reputation and sales.
