Android 16 is on the horizon, and smartphone users worldwide eagerly watch to see which devices will cut. Among the most closely followed brands is Nothing, the minimalist tech company founded by Carl Pei. Known for its unique transparent designs and lightweight operating system, Nothing has built a loyal following since the Phone launch (1). With Android 16 promising many improvements and refinements, users are understandably curious — will their Nothing device be eligible for the next significant software upgrade?
This article explains what Android 16 brings to the table, whether Nothing phones are part of the plan and which specific models will receive the update. We’ll also look at the expected timeline, the absence of Nothing in the Android 16 beta program, and what users can expect from the next evolution of Nothing OS.
Table of Contents
A Look Back: The Journey of Nothing OS
Nothing OS has gone through a rapid evolution since its debut. The Phone (1) shipped with Android 12, followed by timely upgrades to Android 13, 14, and 15. The OS has grown more refined with each version, offering a clean, near-stock Android experience with a dash of custom flair.
The latest iteration, Nothing OS 3.1, built on Android 15, delivered improved performance, stability, and subtle design changes. It laid a solid foundation for what’s next — Android 16.
What’s New in Android 16?
Android 16 is expected to be more about refinement than revolution. Based on early reports and leaks from Google’s developer preview, the update will focus on better AI-powered features, improved multitasking, stronger privacy controls, battery life enhancements, and smoother animations. While the changes may not be as visually dramatic as in previous updates, the emphasis is on improving the overall user experience.
Nothing’s Absence from the Android 16 Beta Program
Some users have raised concerns about the absence of Nothing from Google’s Android 16 beta program. In contrast, companies like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo have already begun testing Android 16 on select models. However, this isn’t necessarily a red flag.
Brand wasn’t an early participant in the Android 15 beta program either, but still managed to deliver timely updates once the stable version was released. The company prefers internal testing and stability over early public betas — a cautious but consumer-friendly approach.
Will Nothing Phones Get Android 16?
The short answer is yes — at least the newer models will. While there has been no official announcement from Brand at the time of writing, the company has a solid track record of offering at least three years of Android updates and four years of security patches. Based on this, we can reasonably predict which devices will be eligible for Android 16.
The Official List of Eligible Nothing Phones
Here are the devices that are expected to receive the Android 16 update:
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus / Community Edition
- Nothing Phone (3a)
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
As for the CMF sub-brand, which targets budget-conscious users, the following models are also likely to be included:
- CMF Phone 1
- CMF Phone 2 Pro
Why the Nothing Phone (1) Won’t Be Included
The Phone (1) launched with Android 12 and received three major OS updates — Android 13, 14, and 15. It aligns with Brand’s software promise, which means Android 15 is its final major upgrade. While security updates may continue longer, Android 16 will not arrive on this model.
Expected Rollout Timeline
Google is expected to release the stable version of Android 16 in May 2025. Suppose Brand follows the same pattern as last year. In that case, users can expect the update to arrive between July and September 2025. Likely, the newest devices — particularly the Phone (3a) series — will receive the update first, with others following shortly after.
What to Expect from Nothing OS Based on Android 16
Although Brand hasn’t revealed much about its next major OS update, users can expect a continuation of the brand’s minimalist philosophy with deeper customization options, refined animations, and a more responsive interface.
If the company follows its past pattern, the Android 16-based OS could be branded as Nothing OS 4.0, bringing an evolutionary — rather than revolutionary — shift to the user experience.
Performance and User Experience Enhancements
Android 16 is designed to enhance day-to-day usability. For Nothing users, this means faster app launches, better memory optimization, and fewer background hiccups. Features like predictive back gestures, smarter notifications, and tighter privacy controls will refine the experience.
Potential Delays and Risks of Early Adoption
As with any major software update, there’s always a risk of bugs, app compatibility issues, or performance slowdowns — especially in the early phases. Users are advised to wait for the official stable release and avoid sideloading beta builds unless they are fully prepared for potential instability.
How to Prepare Your Device for Android 16
Before updating, it’s always a good idea to:
- Back up your data to the cloud or a local drive
- Ensure your Phone’s battery is at least 50% charged
- Clear out unused apps or large files to free up storage
- Check for app updates that may enhance compatibility
Community Feedback and Feature Requests
Across social media and community forums, No users have expressed enthusiasm for Android 16 — especially regarding performance boosts and better battery management. Some of the most requested features include:
- Enhanced widget customization
- Improved camera tuning, especially for the Phone (2a)
- A more consistent Material You design implementation
- Extended screenshot support and better file-sharing tools
Final Thoughts
Android 16 is shaping into a thoughtful update focusing on improving the core user experience without overwhelming users with flashy features. For Nothing users, the news is mostly positive. While the Phone (1) is bowing out after three solid updates, newer models are in line for another year of fresh software, improved performance, and long-term support.
Nothing may be at the front of the Android 16 beta wave. Still, history suggests it’s quietly preparing a stable and smooth rollout. If you own a supported device, the wait will be worth it.
