Nothing OS 4.0 Beta Update Brings Instagram, Lock Glimpse to Phone 3a Series

Nothing, the UK-based smartphone brand co-founded by Carl Pei, has officially rolled out the Open Beta of its latest operating system — Nothing OS 4.0 Beta — for the Phone 3a and Phone (3a) Pro. This Android 16-based update introduces several new features, including Lock Glimpse, redesigned app icons, and for the first time, curated third-party pre-installed apps like Instagram.

The update is now available via the Nothing Beta Hub for users running the latest stable Asteroids-V3.2-251013-1406 build. The beta window closes on November 7, 2025, so early adopters should act fast.

Lock Glimpse Feature: Personalised Wallpapers & Updates

One of the standout additions in Nothing OS 4.0 is Lock Glimpse, a feature that refreshes your lock screen with high-quality wallpapers across nine curated categories. Users can swipe left from the lock screen to access it, though it’s turned off by default.

• No personal data is collected.
• Future updates may allow users to use personal photos.
• It can surface timely updates and useful content.

This feature is part of Nothing’s broader goal to redesign everyday smartphone interactions while keeping user control at the forefront

Pre-Installed Apps: Is Bloatware Coming to Nothing Phones?

In a surprising shift, Nothing is now including a curated set of third-party apps on select non-flagship devices. Apps like Instagram are being pre-installed to enhance functionality — especially for camera and content sharing.

Co-founder Akis Evangelidis clarified:

“We operate on razor-thin margins and must make deliberate choices to deliver a high-quality user experience while remaining financially sustainable.”

Importantly:

• All pre-installed apps are removable.
• Users retain full control over their app environment.
• Apps are selected based on popularity and relevance

UI Changes: New Icons & Camera Presets

The update also brings a refreshed visual language:

• Redesigned app icons with a minimal black-and-white theme.
• A new “Stretch” camera preset developed with photographer Jordan Hemingway, offering deeper shadows and extended highlights

These changes align with Nothing’s design-first philosophy and aim to deliver a more uniform and refined user experience.

How to Install Nothing OS 4.0 Beta on Phone (3a)

1. Ensure your device is on the latest stable build: Asteroids-V3.2-251013-1406.
2. Download the Beta package via the Nothing Beta Hub.
3. Back up your data before installing.
4. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Note: As this is a beta version, minor bugs or stability issues may occur

🔗 External Links for Reference

• Moneycontrol: Nothing OS 4.0 Beta Features
• Mint: Akis Evangelidis Explains Update
• Nothing Community Forum
• Techiboy: First Look at Nothing OS 4.0 Beta
• GSMArena: Android 16-Based Nothing OS 4.0

Vishnu Kumar

Vishnu Kumar M is a Senior Journalist, Digital Strategist, and Educational Mentor with over 26 years of experience across print, electronic, and digital media. A B.Com graduate with a PG Diploma in Journalism, he has shaped national and international narratives through field reporting, editorial leadership, and content strategy. His expertise spans politics, finance, health, and education. As a trusted mentor, Vishnu delivers verified updates to students and job seekers via his platforms and apps. Known for clarity and credibility, he continues to inform and empower millions across India.

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