Overview
Nothing has rolled out the Nothing OS 4.0 update for the CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro, delivering a significant software refresh built on Android 16. The release focuses on enhancing user privacy, expanding customization options, and introducing a new community hub called Playground. For owners of the CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro, this is one of the more consequential updates in recent memory, underscoring Nothing’s ongoing commitment to a more personal and connected Android experience.
What’s New in Nothing OS 4
The core changes in Nothing OS 4 revolve around three themes: privacy and control, social collaboration, and refined usability on older devices that are still actively used by thousands of customers. The most visible change is improved home screen and app drawer management, which now includes a robust option to hide apps from both the home screen and the app drawer. This feature addresses user demand for a cleaner, less cluttered interface and gives space for more important or frequently used apps to stand out without permanent removal. It also contributes to a cleaner aesthetic that many Nothing fans have long requested.
Advanced App Hiding and Privacy Privacy Enhancements
With Nothing OS 4, users can selectively hide apps and control which ones appear in standard launches. This is particularly useful for devices shared within families or workplaces, helping to maintain privacy while still keeping apps accessible under a hidden umbrella. The update aligns with a broader Android 16 privacy framework by adding granular permissions controls and better notification management, so users can feel confident about what data apps may access, and when.
Playground: Nothing’s New Community Platform
One of the headline features of Nothing OS 4 is Playground, a built-in community platform designed to foster collaboration among CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro users. Playground aims to be more than a traditional support forum; it’s positioned as a creative space where users can share tips, showcase customizations, and collaborate on community-driven tweaks to Nothing OS. Expect user-generated workflows, request threads, and a space where developers and enthusiasts can experiment with new features and share feedback directly with Nothing’s team. The introduction of Playground signals Nothing’s shift toward a more participatory product model, encouraging a sense of belonging among early adopters and power users.
How Playground Could Impact Daily Use
In practical terms, Playground offers opportunities to discover productivity hacks, optimization tricks, and design ideas tailored to CMF hardware. For instance, users might exchange tips for minimizing background activity to extend battery life, or share clever home-screen layouts that maximize visibility for essential apps. For developers and advanced users, Playground may become a testing ground for beta features that could roll out to a wider audience in subsequent OS updates.
Android 16: Under the Hood Enhancements
Activity and performance with Android 16 under Nothing OS 4 are expected to be smoother thanks to deeper integration and optimization. Nothing has typically emphasized a balance between performance and a clean aesthetic, and Android 16’s evolving security and runtime improvements should help CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro run more efficiently. Expect improved app launch times, better memory management, and refined notifications. The update also likely brings compatibility improvements for new apps and services, ensuring that older devices remain relevant in a rapidly evolving Android ecosystem.
Getting the Update and What to Expect
Nothing typically rolls out OS updates in stages, and Nothing OS 4 for the CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro is no exception. Users should check for the update in Settings > System > Software Update and ensure backups are in place before installation. Those who adopt the update can look forward to a cleaner home screen experience, the new hidden-app functionality, and access to Playground. The broader Android 16 improvements will be felt across the system with faster app switching and more secure operation, especially when devices are used in shared environments or professional settings.
Conclusion
Nothing OS 4 for the CMF Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro marks a meaningful upgrade, blending practical usability enhancements with new social features. The introduction of the Playground community platform invites users to participate in shaping the software’s future, while refined privacy controls and app-hiding capabilities address everyday needs for a tidier, more private mobile experience. As the ecosystem grows, CMF owners can expect continued improvements that keep Nothing’s devices contemporary in the Android 16 era.
