Eliminating a prominent design aspect that distinguishes its phones from others
The tech world is abuzz with the upcoming launch of the Nothing Phone 3, scheduled for July 2025. In a departure from its predecessors, the Phone 3 replaces the large Glyph lights with a new and innovative feature - the Glyph Matrix display.
The Glyph Matrix, a semicircular array of 489 LEDs below the camera module, marks a significant shift from the previous models' flashing LED strips. Unlike the older Glyph lights, which lit up for notifications, timers, charging indicators, and backfill lights for photos and videos, the Glyph Matrix can display pixelated graphics, texts, and patterns.
Key details about the Glyph Matrix include:
- The Glyph Matrix is a dot-matrix LED display that can show notifications with custom pixelated images or patterns, not just blinking lights.
- It includes a capacitive haptic Glyph button below the matrix LED area, allowing users to cycle through notifications, control apps, and play "Glyph toys" such as a stopwatch and simple games like Spin the Bottle.
- The Glyph Matrix allows assigning specific app notifications, contacts, or functions to customized pixel patterns via the phone’s settings, though due to the low pixel count, graphics can appear somewhat blurry.
While the new matrix is touted as more useful and functional, some reviewers and users have expressed disappointment that the iconic Glyph lights of earlier Nothing phones have been removed. However, the launch of the Nothing Phone 3 will reveal what the company has planned as a replacement for the Glyph lights interface.
The video announcing the end of the Glyph Interface hints at a change in visual design, with the rear lights of the Nothing Phone 1 blinking out, suggesting a move towards the Glyph Matrix display. The dot-matrix pattern has been hinted at in Phone 3 teasers, adding to the anticipation surrounding the launch.
It remains unclear what Nothing plans to replace the Glyph lights interface with. The Nothing Phone 3 is set to launch in July 2025, and tech enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the unveiling of this innovative new feature.
[1] TechCrunch. (2025, May 29). Nothing Phone 3 to feature Glyph Matrix display instead of Glyph Lights. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/29/nothing-phone-3-to-feature-glyph-matrix-display-instead-of-glyph-lights/
[2] The Verge. (2025, May 29). Nothing Phone 3 teaser reveals Glyph Matrix display. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/05/29/22461784/nothing-phone-3-teaser-glyph-matrix-display
[3] Wired. (2025, May 29). Nothing Phone 3 Ditches Glyph Lights for Glyph Matrix Display. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/nothing-phone-3-glyph-matrix-display/
The Glyph Matrix display, a new feature in the upcoming Nothing Phone 3, is set to replace the traditional flashing Glyph lights of its predecessors, offering pixelated graphics, texts, and patterns as notifications instead. The innovative dot-matrix LED display is accompanied by a capacitive haptic Glyph button, providing users with additional control options, such as cycling through notifications and playing simple games.
