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Nothing launched its Phones with the promise no clean Android experience but the brand is changing its tune in 2025 and here’s the reason.
Nothing will be making these changes with the Android 16-based update
Nothing is going away from its focus on clean Android experience for its smartphones which means bloatware or pre-loaded apps will be seen on some of its mid-range phones. The update was shared by the brand itself via a community post which talks about the Nothing OS 4.0 beta version that is rolling out for Phone 3 and Phone 3a series devices.
“Moving forward, on select non-flagship devices, we’ll start including a carefully considered selection of third-party partner apps and services that don’t disrupt the Nothing OS experience you love,” post explains.
Many people have seen the post and also the new changes coming with the Android 16 beta version for these phones, and they don’t like how Nothing is going away from the one main thing that it promised from day one.
The company, under the reins of Carl Pei has often touted itself as a different brand that wants to make smartphones fun. and some of those claims have been met so far, with its clean Android UI experience available across all the devices, including the CMF Phone series.
Pre-Loaded Apps And More Changes: People Are Angry
Phone 3a models and possibly the upcoming mid-range phones from Nothing and CMF will have the following additions:
- Pre-loaded apps like Instagram or even Netflix (part of its curated app list)
- Lock Glimpse third-party wallpaper app which is off by default in the settings
Nothing says it will bring these changes but do it the ‘Nothing way’ which usually would make people feel confident but the recent developments are unlikely to give that impression. The brand says the partner apps will be minimal and you will have the option to remove it. Nothing will be upfront about which apps are pre-installed and why. And finally, assures you full control over the Lock Glimpse feature.
Why Now, Nothing?
So why is Nothing bringing pre-loaded apps and other changes with the Nothing OS 4.0 version and what it means for the buyers?
The company cites concerns like managing the bill of materials (BOM) cost of making phones, which it claims is higher than older brands. It needs the pre-loaded apps from partners to increase its revenue streams and then says, even established brands like Samsung have followed this model for many years.
These reasons are well known and adopted by many brands for their mid-range devices, but Nothing started its journey in the market mocking the same brands, and criticising them for adding bloatware.
The lead image of this story gives you a clear picture of how things have changed in a few years. To be fair, Nothing wants to run a business and it needs to adapt or evolve based on these demands in a challenging market. It doesn’t have the big pockets of the other tech brands and still relies on Series A/B grade investment to keep itself running.
We get all that, but Nothing or any other brand should not make tall claims if they eventually have to revert to the conventional type. And this is what people are saying, especially those who have invested in Nothing when it was a newbie and did so because of its clean Android experience. Will things change for the brand after this, it is possible but its impact is hard to measure just yet.
S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr…Read More
S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr… Read More
Delhi, India, India
October 27, 2025, 08:25 IST
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