Nothing Announces Android 16 Update for Phone (3) by September

The London-based tech startup, Nothing, has announced that it plans to release an update for its Phone (3) model, which will include the new Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16, by the end of September 2025. This timeline positions Nothing behind competitors like Samsung, which is set to roll out its One UI 8 based on Android 16 to select devices as early as July 2025.

Recently, Google released the Android 16 update several months earlier than usual, causing a shift in the update schedules of various manufacturers. Google indicated that this early release aligns more effectively with the launch timeline for devices within its ecosystem, allowing a broader range of devices to receive the major Android version sooner. However, the Nothing Phone (3) will ship with Android 15 installed out of the box, similar to the previous year's release of the Pixel 9, which also launched with an older Android version.

It appears that Nothing requires additional time to finalize the update to Android 16, which is expected to be available by the end of the third quarter of 2025. From the company's announcement, it seems that the latest model will be the first to receive the new operating system. The timelines for older models, such as the Phone 3a and 3a Pro, remain uncertain, and inquiries have been made to Nothing for clarification.

In contrast, Samsung has positioned itself as a leader in rapid software updates this year. After a slower rollout with One UI 7 and Android 15, which began in April 2025, Samsung is now prepared to ship its upcoming foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, equipped with One UI 8 based on Android 16 from launch.

This strategic move by Samsung means that it will likely be one of the first manufacturers to deliver the new Android version following Google's release. As the mobile technology landscape continues to evolve, the timely delivery of software updates remains a critical factor for manufacturers, impacting consumer satisfaction and device performance.