- OS 4 beta rolled out. Nothing’s Android 16-based OS 4.0 open beta is now live for the midrange Phone (3a) series, bringing a UI refresh, new camera presets, and the “Lock Glimpse” lock‑screen feature [1].
- Lock Glimpse wallpapers. The new Lock Glimpse option delivers high‑quality, rotating wallpapers (nine curated categories) on the lock screen [2] [3]. It’s off by default and fully optional; users can swipe left to explore content or disable it, and Nothing emphasizes no personal data is shared if enabled [4] [5].
- Pre-installed apps arriving. For the first time on Nothing phones, select non-flagship models will ship with a “carefully considered” bundle of popular third‑party apps (like Instagram) pre-loaded [6] [7]. These apps are chosen for relevance and may offer tighter OS integration (e.g. improved camera or sharing features) [8] [9].
- Company’s rationale. Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis explains the move as a way to support the company’s sustainable revenue model. Because new brands pay higher hardware costs (BOM) and lack the software ad partnerships of giants like Samsung or Xiaomi, the company feels it must “explore sustainable revenue models to avoid passing costs” to buyers [10] [11]. He notes Nothing operates on “razor-thin margins” and aims to keep partner apps minimal and removable [12] [13].
- Fan reaction mixed. Many fans are upset, calling these additions “bloatware” and contrary to Nothing’s clean‑Android reputation [14] [15]. Others appreciate the transparency and point out everything is optional or uninstallable. Nothing says it will stay upfront about pre-installed apps and gather feedback during the beta [16] [17].
Lock Glimpse: Dynamic Lock-Screen Wallpapers
The headline new feature in the OS 4 beta is Lock Glimpse, a dynamic lock‑screen wallpaper app. It delivers fresh, high‑quality images each time you wake the phone, and lets you swipe left for more content [18] [19]. Nothing’s blog and press emphasize that Lock Glimpse does not run by default – users must opt in via Settings. Once enabled, you can pick categories (e.g. nature, abstract, etc.), refresh at any time, or turn the feature off completely [20] [21]. In future updates Nothing even plans to let users substitute their own photos. Crucially, Evangelidis says no personal data is collected by Lock Glimpse [22] [23].
Despite these assurances, many early testers were suspicious. As Gizbot reports, some users noticed a terms-and‑conditions screen and speculated the wallpapers might include ads or “external content” [24]. Fans compared it to Glance-style lock-screen ads on other Android phones, and dubbed it “ad-driven bloatware” [25]. Nothing counters that Lock Glimpse is meant to enhance the experience, not distract, and they invite users to disable it if unwanted [26] [27].
Pre-Installed Apps on Nothing Phones
Another surprise is that Nothing will start shipping selected third-party apps on some of its non-flagship phones. According to the co-founder’s announcement, devices like the Phone (3a) series will come pre-loaded with a “carefully considered selection” of popular apps [28] [29]. As examples, Akis mentions Instagram and similar apps that “most people install on day one” [30] [31]. The idea is that, by integrating these apps more tightly into Nothing OS (for instance, enabling better camera-sharing features), the software feels more seamless.
Importantly, Nothing stresses that these third‑party apps will be minimal and removable. Evangelidis promises users can always uninstall any unwanted app, just as with bloatware on other phones [32] [33]. He also says Nothing will clearly identify any pre‑loaded apps and explain why they’re there, to avoid “sneaking in hidden deals” unnoticed [34] [35].
Why Nothing Is Adding “Bloatware”
Why the dramatic shift? Evangelidis bluntly points to financial reality. He notes that as a new brand, Nothing’s phones cost more to build than those from established companies, but until now Nothing relied entirely on hardware sales [36] [37]. In contrast, giants like Samsung, Oppo and Xiaomi subsidize hardware costs with software partnerships, app stores and even lock-screen ads [38] [39].
“We operate on razor-thin margins,” the co-founder explains [40]. To keep prices competitive and fund R&D without simply raising costs for buyers, Nothing must find software-based revenue streams [41] [42]. Adding optional partner apps and the Lock Glimpse wallpaper service (which could carry ads or partnerships later) is how the company plans to build a “sustainable revenue model” [43] [44]. In his words, this lets Nothing invest in innovation without “passing [extra] costs to buyers” [45] [46].
Other tech analysts note this is a common strategy in mobile. As Android Authority’s Ryan McNeal observes, almost all Android makers include software tie‑ins to keep profits up, and Nothing is essentially following suit [47] [48]. The move helps fund Nothing’s AI and hardware ambitions without abandoning its mid-range price points.
Fan Backlash and What’s Next
The reaction in forums and social media has been loud. Many users say they “chose Nothing for the clean OS,” and promise to consider other brands if forced to accept bloatware [49] [50]. On the other hand, some commentators appreciate that the company is being open and only adding things users typically want.
In any case, everything is currently optional. Lock Glimpse is disabled by default and can be turned off easily [51] [52]. The beta test will give Nothing user feedback before any wide rollout. The company’s road map says it will continue to let users uninstall or ignore these apps, and to be transparent about any pre-loaded content [53] [54]. Going forward, Nothing plans to release OS 4.0 to flagship Phone (3) and other models once testing completes, carrying these new features along [55] [56].
In summary, Nothing’s latest beta highlights a trade-off facing the startup: stick to a minimalist ideal or adopt mainstream revenue tactics. As Gizbot notes, finding that balance “is a tricky balance: staying independent while finding ways to stay profitable” [57] [58]. For users, the coming updates will show whether this is a pragmatic evolution or a wedge in the brand’s DNA.
Sources: News reports and company statements from Android Central, Android Authority, DroidLife, Gizbot, Mint, and others [59] [60] [61] [62] [63].
References
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