CMF Phone 1 update is finally here and trust me when I say this is one of the most exciting updates I have seen on a budget device in 2025. Nothing has officially started rolling out Nothing OS 4.0 based on Android 16 to CMF Phone 1 users globally starting December 26, 2025.
This marks the final major OS upgrade for the device as promised by the company. I have been tracking this update closely and the features packed into this roughly 2GB update are impressive.
From refined UI elements to extra dark mode and enhanced customization options, Nothing OS 4.0 brings a premium experience to this budget friendly smartphone.
The phased rollout means some users might receive it earlier than others but checking manually in settings can help you get it faster. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this major update.
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Yes, the CMF Phone 1 already received Android 15 earlier in mid January 2025. I remember when that update dropped with Nothing OS 3.0 and it brought features like shared widgets, AI powered Smart Drawer and enhanced lock screen customization.
The device originally launched with Android 14 and Nothing OS 2.6 out of the box. Now with Android 16 rolling out through Nothing OS 4.0, the phone has completed its promised two major Android updates. This means CMF Phone 1 users have experienced Android 14, Android 15 and now Android 16 which is quite remarkable for a budget device.
Currently the CMF Phone 1 is receiving Nothing OS 4.0 which is based on Android 16. This represents the latest and final major operating system update for the device.
When I first got my hands on this phone it was running Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14. The progression from Nothing OS 2.6 to 3.0 and now 4.0 shows Nothing’s commitment to keeping even their budget lineup updated.
The Nothing OS 4.0 brings a refined experience with updated status bar icons, redesigned Nothing app icons and new lock screen clock faces that make the interface feel fresh and modern.
The Nothing OS 4.0 update is packed with features that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. I have been testing these features and they genuinely improve the daily user experience. The Extra Dark Mode is my personal favorite as it offers deeper blacks, better contrast and reduced power consumption especially useful on AMOLED displays.
The expanded customization options now include more widget sizes like 1×1 and 2×1 for apps such as Weather, Pedometer and Screen Time. I find the hidden apps feature particularly useful for maintaining privacy without needing third party launchers.
The improved pop up view multitasking now supports two floating apps simultaneously which makes productivity tasks much easier.
The smoother animations and haptic feedback enhancements make interactions feel more premium than what you would expect from a budget phone. Camera updates include new presets, adjustable filter intensity and stretch styles that give more creative control. Dual SIM users will appreciate the SIM specific ringtones feature which helps identify which number is receiving calls without checking the screen.
Getting the Nothing OS 4.0 update is straightforward. I always recommend checking manually rather than waiting for the automatic notification. Simply go to Settings, then System, and tap on System Update. The phased rollout means the update might not be available for everyone immediately but checking daily increases your chances of getting it sooner.
Make sure you are connected to stable WiFi as the update is approximately 2GB in size. I also suggest backing up your important data before installing any major update though Nothing OS updates have been smooth in my experience.
The build number for Indian regions is Tetris-B4.0-251216-1717-IND but it might vary slightly for other regions. Once you see the update notification, ensure your battery is above 50 percent or keep your phone plugged in during installation.
The installation process takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on your device’s performance. After installation your phone will restart and you will be greeted with the refreshed Nothing OS 4.0 interface.
The response from CMF Phone 1 users has been overwhelmingly positive. I have seen users comparing Nothing’s update speed favorably against major brands like Samsung.
One user commented that their CMF Phone 1 will upgrade to Android 16 before their Samsung S24 Ultra which speaks volumes about Nothing’s commitment. The community has called it a sweet upgrade with genuine appreciation for bringing premium features to budget devices.
Nothing has proven that fast updates are not just for flagship phones. The CMF Phone 1 receiving Android 16 before many premium devices shows the company’s dedication to its entire product lineup.
While this is the last major OS update, the phone will continue receiving security patches until 2027 ensuring your device remains secure. I believe Nothing has set a new standard for budget phone updates and the CMF Phone 1 is a testament to that commitment.
Tags: CMF Phone 1 update, Nothing OS 4.0, Android 16 update, CMF Phone 1 Android 15, Nothing OS update, budget phone updates, CMF by Nothing
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