Earlier this year, Nothing introduced the Phone 3, and one of its most eye-catching features was the unique dot matrix-style circular display at the back. The company then opened up the underlying system, inviting the community to create their own custom experiences called Glyph Toys. Now, the company is enhancing this feature with some in-house updates.
What’s New?
Nothing, based in the UK, has begun rolling out the latest software update—Nothing OS V3.5-250829—that introduces new Glyph functionalities along with a variety of other improvements and system fixes.
The updated Glyph features are called Compass and Feed The Fly. Users of the Nothing Phone 3 can access these new experiences by navigating through Settings > Glyph Interface > Glyph Toys > Manage Glyph Toys.
The Compass serves as a directional tool, while Feed The Fly is a fast-paced game where players aim to land a high score within a time limit.
Additionally, the update introduces a new Glyph Mirror mode within the camera app. When activated, the secondary display turns into a monochrome viewfinder, allowing the person facing the rear camera to see a live preview—a handy feature for better framing and selfies.
Over the past few weeks, the community has shared numerous creative projects using Glyph Toys, indicating the feature’s growing popularity.
If you own the device, you can explore these community creations on the official forum. For more details on what the latest update includes, such as system enhancements and security patches, you can check the full changelog online.
Teasers for the Nothing Phone 3 are emerging, providing us with an exciting glimpse of a distinct feature set to debut with the company’s latest flagship device.
Nothing has shared an update about a new feature known as ‘Glyph Matrix,’ which is confirmed to be part of the Nothing Phone 3, set to be unveiled on July 1.
A brief five-second clip was included in the announcement, displaying a series of dot-matrix lights illuminating in various patterns on the corner of the phone.
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Nothing Phone 3: everything we know so far
Observing the device in the video, the power button appears on the left side, accompanied by what seems to be volume controls on the right. This design suggests we might be looking at the back of the Nothing Phone 3, rather than an animation on its front display.
The short video doesn’t clarify if the Glyph Matrix consists of individual LED lights or if it’s a compact, dedicated display on the phone’s rear. A separate display would likely consume more power, so it’s plausible that it’s just a series of LEDs. However, we will need to wait until July 1 for the confirmation.
Sign me up
Regardless of how it’s implemented, the Glyph Matrix promises to introduce a refreshing change to a smartphone landscape dominated by sleek glass and metal designs.
The reveal of the Glyph Matrix does align with Nothing’s recent announcement about retiring its Glyph Interface – the lights found on the rear of their existing models – which was shared towards the end of May. They even updated their profile image to the new logo featured in the video on June 4.
While some may view this feature as a gimmick, I personally embrace it, as Nothing remains committed to creating products that defy convention.
Electrobuzz and Arbok are the codenames for two upcoming products – likely the Nothing Phone 3 and Headphones 1 Nothing
Notably, Nothing has previously teased Pokémon images, using these characters as codenames for its upcoming devices. The Pokémon featured are styled in a dot-matrix format, adding a fun twist. If I can see my favorite Pokémon displayed on the Glyph Matrix, it would certainly bring joy to my younger self. It’s quirky and fun, and I’m eager to see how it operates – especially if it includes Pokémon graphics.
Tactile textures
Additionally, just a day before the Glyph Matrix reveal, Nothing showcased another design detail for the Phone 3, featuring a dimpled pattern on a circular pad.
This detail likely appears on the device’s rear, but the exact placement is still unclear based on the limited visuals provided.
This is just one of many updates Nothing has been sharing leading up to the launch event on July 1. Earlier this week, it was announced that the Nothing Phone 3 will be powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, promising users five years of major Android OS updates and seven years of security updates.
Previously, Nothing’s co-founder and CEO, Carl Pei, labeled the Phone 3 as the company’s “first true flagship,” revealing a price point around £800, which is expected to be roughly $799 in the US market. The phone will also be available through Amazon and its official website for American consumers.
With less than two weeks remaining until its grand reveal, anticipation is building to see all the features of the Glyph Matrix.
The Nothing Phone 3 is set to launch in the United States, positioning itself against competitors such as the iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Google Pixel 9. Nothing’s founder and CEO, Carl Pei, refers to this release as the company’s “first true flagship smartphone.”
If you’re searching for an alternative smartphone this year, you will be able to purchase the Phone 3 through Amazon and the official Nothing website, according to a report by TechCrunch.
To enhance its appeal for North American consumers, Nothing has expanded its carrier support for the Phone 3, ensuring compatibility with both AT&T and T-Mobile networks right out of the box for 4G and 5G.
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Past Nothing devices had limited support for US connectivity. Previously, except for the Nothing Phone 2, buyers had to enroll in the company’s beta program to obtain a device in America, which hindered aftercare support.
This time, however, Nothing is prioritizing the North American market as it has also partnered with Best Buy to offer its products in Canada.
“We have always stated that we are building for the long haul, and now we’re prepared to make significant strides in the US. The Phone 3 is more than just another product launch,” Pei emphasized. “It signifies our growth as a company.”
Who’s hungry?
Pei expressed that Nothing aims to disrupt established brands in the US market, stating, “This is the perfect product and the right time to start expanding in North America.”
“The smartphone landscape in the U.S. is primarily controlled by two major players, yet many consumers crave something different.”
The question of how many consumers are willing to consider a smartphone from a less mainstream brand remains to be answered. Still, Nothing’s unique design approach sets its products apart in a space dominated by generic designs, except for a handful with oversized camera modules.
Nothing isn’t holding back, a mentality characteristic of Pei, who has always been enthusiastic about launching new devices, dating back to his tenure at OnePlus with its ‘Never Settle’ philosophy and the ‘Flagship Killer’ branding.
I have no doubt that Pei’s ambitious attitude will draw customers toward the new device, especially with promises of using “premium materials” to create what he describes as the “first true flagship.”
However, the challenge remains whether this will be enough to entice Android and iPhone users to switch from their current devices, especially considering the Phone 3 is expected to retail near $1,000.
The hype cycle
Pei has previously teased a blurred version of the Phone 3Nothing / Google
The master of building anticipation, Nothing has been gradually releasing hints and teasers leading up to the official unveiling on July 1, which will showcase not only the Nothing Phone 3 but also the debut of their first over-ear headphones, aptly named Headphones 1.
Details about the price, design glimpses, and the premium materials used in crafting the Phone 3 have all been released. We’ve been awaiting this flagship for two years, following the launch of the Nothing Phone 2 in 2023. Although we praised its design, display, performance, and camera quality in our review, it didn’t quite measure up to the highest standards.
With the Phone 3, Nothing seems poised to elevate its narrative to a premium level, setting the stage for a showdown with established giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google.
It’s inviting direct comparisons—a risky move—but if the Nothing Phone 3 succeeds in delivering on its promises, it could refresh the smartphone market in a much-needed way. Looking forward to July 1!
On March 4, Nothing is set to unveil a new device, but details about what to expect and how many products will be launched remain uncertain amid a wave of speculation. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.
March 4 Event
In 2024, Nothing did not introduce a flagship phone but rather expanded its Phone 2 lineup with the Phone 2a and Phone 2a Plus. Carl Pei, the founder of Nothing, announced that the Nothing Phone 3 would launch in 2025, featuring an AI-driven home screen and a variety of enhanced software functions.
In January 2025, Nothing teased an event for March 4 with the slogan "Power in Perspective." The promo video hints at a triple-camera system, equipped with Nothing's signature Glyph lighting effect—a departure from their previous models, which featured only two camera lenses.
Another teaser features a video of Carl Pei zooming into the camera, indicating that the upcoming device might include a telephoto lens, marking a first for the brand.
Nothing Phone 3 or 3a?
Nothing Phone 2a PlusAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
While it’s certain that Something will unveil a new phone on March 4, the specific model remains unclear. The logical choice appears to be the Nothing Phone 3, but speculation suggests it could also be the Nothing Phone 3a or 3a Plus. There may even be multiple devices launched during the event.
The rumored specifications for the Nothing Phone 3a include a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a triple-camera setup consisting of two 50-megapixel lenses for the main and telephoto shots, plus an 8MP wide-angle lens. All indications suggest that the new phone will utilize a Qualcomm processor, likely the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3.
Updates to the Nothing OS will likely bring it to version 3.1, based on Android 15, incorporating the AI features Pei discussed in a previous video.
A Significant Year for Nothing
Nothing Phone 2aAndy Boxall / Digital Trends
Nothing appears poised for a major year in 2025, with rumors of several new phones slated for release. A leaked email purportedly from Pei referred to the Phone 3 as a "flagship" device, describing it as a "landmark smartphone launch" for the company. This email also indicated that the teams responsible for camera and software development have expanded to assist in creating this new device.
The event on March 4 is scheduled to coincide with the Mobile World Congress 2025, although it’s unclear whether Nothing will hold its presentation in Barcelona, Spain, alongside other mobile industry players, or at an alternate site.
