Overview: Nothing OS 4.0 lands for CMF devices
Nothing has released Nothing OS 4.0 for the CMF Phone 1 and the Phone 2 Pro, updating the user experience to Android 16 and introducing a suite of new features designed to enhance customization, privacy, and community interaction. The update emphasizes easier control over what users see on their home screens, deeper personalization options, and a new social space called Playground that invites users to share ideas, tips, and themes.
Key new features: customization takes center stage
One of the headline changes in Nothing OS 4.0 is the ability to hide apps from both the home screen and the app drawer. This feature offers an extra layer of privacy and cleanliness for those who want a minimal interface or keep certain apps out of sight. Hidden apps still remain accessible from within the app drawer or through search, ensuring users aren’t locked out of functionality.
Beyond hiding apps, Nothing OS 4.0 expands customization options across icons, widgets, and wallpapers. Users can experiment with new icon packs, adjust widget sizes, and apply wallpapers that respond to system themes. These tools align with Nothing’s ongoing emphasis on a cohesive design language that feels both modern and approachable on Android 16 devices.
The update also promises improved gestures and navigation refinements, making it easier to access key features without leaving the home screen. The refinements are aimed at reducing friction for everyday tasks, whether you’re launching an app, switching between tasks, or tweaking settings on the fly.
Playground: a new community platform
Nothing OS 4.0 introduces Playground, a community platform built into the software ecosystem. Playground serves as a space where CMF Phone users can share themes, wallpapers, and setup configurations, as well as exchange tips on utilizing the new hiding and customization features. The platform is designed to foster user-generated content, enabling enthusiasts to rate and discuss ideas, ultimately shaping future updates based on real-world feedback.
For new users, Playground offers a gentle onboarding to Nothing OS 4.0’s customization toolkit. Veteran modders can publish their best configurations, including icon packs and widget arrangements, helping others replicate a preferred look or discover fresh ideas. As with many community-centric features, the health of Playground depends on active participation and constructive discussion, which Nothing will likely nurture with in-app prompts and curated collections.
Performance, privacy, and long-term value
Running on Android 16, Nothing OS 4.0 aims to balance feature richness with system performance on the CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro. Users can expect smoother transitions as new customization options are enabled, though the extent of impact may vary with device configuration and installed apps. The introduction of hidden apps can also assist in prioritizing device performance by reducing launcher load when navigating the home screen.
Privacy considerations are subtly addressed through the hiding feature, which helps limit accidental exposure of apps in shared spaces. Nothing typically emphasizes a clean and focused user experience, and the ability to curate what appears on the main interface aligns with a broader shift toward user agency in mobile operating systems.
What this means for CMF Phone users
For current CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro owners, Nothing OS 4.0 represents a meaningful upgrade that not only refreshes the look and feel but also introduces practical tools for daily use. The combination of app hiding, broader customization, and Playground creates a more personalized experience while maintaining the signature Nothing aesthetic—minimal, iconic, and easy to navigate.
As with any major OS update, some users may notice differences in background processes and battery behavior while new features settle in. Nothing provides the platform and community support to address early feedback, with updates likely addressing edge cases and optimizing performance over time.
Ready for the update?
CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro users should check for the Nothing OS 4.0 rollout in their software update settings. If you’re curious about customization ideas, be sure to explore Playground after updating to get inspired by the community’s best setups and themes.
