Nothing OS 4.0 Just Got Controversial: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Nothing’s clean, distraction-free approach to Android just took a controversial turn. With the rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta for the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a Pro), users found themselves testing not just new features, but the company’s vision for how it’ll make money in the future.

The Android 16-based update brings small interface changes and camera tweaks, but two additions stand out: a new lock-screen feature called Lock Glimpse, and Nothing’s confirmation that third-party apps and services will soon be part of its ecosystem.

The Lock Glimpse Backlash

When early testers installed the beta, they noticed a new feature tucked into the settings called Lock Glimpse. On paper, it’s a dynamic wallpaper tool that refreshes your lock screen with curated images and “timely updates.” In practice, it raised eyebrows.

Once users spotted a terms and conditions page and signs that it could surface external content, many assumed it was a form of ad-driven bloatware — the kind of lock-screen content seen on phones with Glance pre-installed. For a company that built its reputation on clean, distraction-free software, this didn’t go down well.

Nothing’s Explanation

To address the criticism, Nothing’s co-founder Akis Evangelidis published a detailed blog post explaining what’s going on.

He clarified that Lock Glimpse is off by default, meaning users won’t see it unless they manually enable it. It can be customized through settings, where you can choose wallpaper categories, refresh anytime, or disable it entirely. A future update will even let you use your own photos.

Evangelidis also stressed that no personal data is shared if you turn it on. The goal, he said, is to enhance the lock-screen experience — not disrupt it.

But Lock Glimpse isn’t just a creative experiment. It’s part of a much bigger shift in how Nothing wants to operate.

Enter: Third-Party Partner Apps and Services

In the same post, Evangelidis confirmed that select non-flagship Nothing phones will soon ship with a small set of third-party apps and services built into the software.

He called it a “carefully considered selection” — not random bloatware, but popular apps that most users download on day one anyway, like Instagram. The difference, according to him, is that these apps could be more tightly integrated into Nothing OS, improving performance or sharing features such as camera or connectivity tools.

Most importantly, users will be able to remove them anytime. Nothing says it’ll stay transparent about what’s pre-installed and why, and it promises to keep the experience lightweight and optional.

Why Nothing Is Doing This

Evangelidis said the decision stems from a hard truth about running a small phone company: hardware margins are razor-thin.

Each phone’s bill of materials — the total cost of components — is higher for a new brand than for established players. Big companies like Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi offset those costs through software-based revenue streams, such as partnerships, app integrations, or advertising deals.

Nothing, until now, hasn’t had that option. Its phones rely purely on hardware sales, which limits growth. The addition of Lock Glimpse and these partner apps is meant to be the start of a “sustainable revenue model” that helps the company keep prices stable while still funding research and development.

Evangelidis says this approach will help Nothing invest in new hardware without passing those extra costs to buyers.

The Split in Opinion

Fans are divided. Some appreciate the transparency and say it’s better to be upfront than to sneak in hidden deals later. Others argue that Nothing is crossing the very line that made its phones unique.

On community forums, users voiced concern that today’s “optional” integrations could eventually lead to more intrusive partnerships. But others pointed out that if apps like Instagram come pre-installed and can be removed easily, it’s hardly a deal-breaker — especially if it helps the company survive in a market dominated by tech giants.

What Comes Next

Right now, Lock Glimpse is only part of the Nothing OS 4.0 beta for the Phone (3a) lineup. It’s off by default and fully optional. The company says it’ll use this testing phase to gather feedback before rolling it out more widely.

As for the third-party apps, Evangelidis says the focus will be on integration, not intrusion. Nothing plans to redesign how these services fit into the OS, making them feel like natural extensions rather than clutter.

It’s a tricky balance: staying independent while finding ways to stay profitable. For a company that built its brand on simplicity, the next few updates could determine whether users see this as thoughtful evolution — or the start of compromise.