Android 16's arrival on the Phone 3 sparks excitement, with closed beta enrollment now open for interested users
Nothing Announces Closed Beta for Android 16 on the Nothing Phone 3
Nothing, the innovative tech company, has announced plans for a closed beta test of Android 16 on its flagship device, the Nothing Phone 3. The beta test, which is set to run from August to early September 2025, aims to deliver Android 16's native features and implement a more robust design system for Nothing OS 4.0.
The Nothing Phone 3, launched on July 1, marks the company's first major step into the world of a "true flagship." Equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor and a 6.6-inch AMOLED display, the Phone 3 incorporates Nothing's in-house AI suite via Essential Space.
Carl Pei, Nothing's CEO, announced the start of the closed beta signup period for OS 4.0 (Android 16) on the Phone 3. To join, participants must be daily users of the Phone 3 smartphone, complete the registration form by August 3, 2025 (some sources say August 5), be willing to provide regular feedback during the beta period, adhere to security standards and confidentiality about the beta, understand that beta versions may have bugs and incomplete or unstable features, and regularly back up their devices.
Selected testers will receive instructions via email within a week of registration. The beta aims to deliver Android 16’s native features along with a new, more consistent design system for Nothing OS 4.0, laying the foundation for a cohesive user interface going forward.
It's worth noting that the Phone 3 will receive the Android 16 upgrade before older models like the Phone 2. Nothing is also preparing to support the Phone 3 with five years of Android OS upgrades and seven years of security patches.
The Phone 3 is available at several retailers, including Best Buy, Walmart, Samsung, Amazon, Verizon, and AT&T. The closed beta test will showcase Android 16's features on the Phone 3, with Nothing yet to disclose the specific features that will be available during the closed beta.
Carl Pei also announced plans to bring Android 16 to users this year, with Android 16, under Nothing OS 4.0, expected to launch toward the end of Q3. The closed beta is the first step towards a more cohesive UI for the Phone 3 with Android 16. Nothing is looking for daily users of the Phone 3 who are willing to engage and provide feedback during the testing process.
[1] Source: Nothing official press release [2] Source: TechRadar article [3] Source: Android Central article [4] Source: Wired article
- The closed beta test for Android 16 on the Nothing Phone 3, which aims to deliver native features and a more robust design system, will utilize the smartphones equipped with Nothing's in-house AI suite via Essential Space.
- With the upcoming Android 16 upgrade, Nothing plans to incorporate the latest technology, offering a cohesive user interface across its gadgets, starting with the Nothing Phone 3.
