Nothing has outlined a loose rollout plan for its Android 16 update, packaged as Nothing OS 4.0, offering a clearer view of when current devices should expect the new software. The company started with the Nothing Phone 3, its flagship model, and is now preparing to move the update to additional phones in stages. The timeline is not precise, but it gives users a general idea of when their device may receive the upgrade.
According to the company’s guidance, most recent Nothing phones — with the exception of the original Nothing Phone 1 — are set to receive Android 16 in the coming weeks. CMF-branded models will enter the rollout later in the year, while the Nothing Phone 3a Lite is slated for early 2026. The schedule reflects Nothing’s relatively small device lineup, which often allows the brand to push major system updates faster than larger manufacturers, though the start of this rollout arrived later than many of its competitors.
In practical terms, users can expect the Nothing Phone 3a, 3a Pro, 2, and 2a to be next in line over the next one to two weeks. In the second half of December, the CMF Phone 2 Pro and CMF Phone 1 are expected to follow. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite is currently planned for January 2026. These windows are broad and may shift, but they represent the company’s current internal targets for Nothing OS 4.0.
Installing Android 16 will require a sizable download of roughly 3–5GB, so devices will need sufficient free storage. Users should also ensure batteries are at least 40 percent charged before starting the installation. A quick check for pending updates can be done through the Settings menu under System updates. Because Nothing OS 4.0 is a major system overhaul, users should also expect the usual post-update adjustments as the software settles and patch releases follow.
While Nothing took longer than some rivals to initiate the Android 16 cycle, it may end up completing its rollout sooner due to its narrower product range and historically quick expansion once updates begin. Those wanting to track the progress in real time can monitor the Nothing Community or follow update-specific sections and notification channels that provide regular software news.
