Nothing OS 3.0: New Lock Screen, Quick Settings Panel, Release Date, and More

Nothing OS has evolved from just any other Android UI to one of the most unique and feature-rich interfaces currently found in the smartphone space. Backed by the runaway success of Nothing OS 2.5 in 2023, there has been much anticipation for Nothing OS 3.0, due later this year.

Nothing OS 3.0 Release Date and Expectations

Nothing OS 2.5 was released in December, which means two months after the stable rollout of Android 14. With Google launching Android 15 with its Pixel 9 series this August, expectations are that Nothing OS 3.0 will follow this October if the previous schedule holds.

In May, Nothing released the Android 15 Developer Preview Beta 1 for the Phone (2) and (2a). Very soon, the updates for the next beta version will be known. Nothing is notorious for their really fast adoption of new Android updates; however, with such massive UI changes and additions of many features, testing periods could get longer.

Device Compatibility

All the Nothing devices launched till now are eligible for three years of major updates, except the CMF Phone 1 that will have two. Essentially, this means all existing Nothing phones will get Nothing OS 3.0 support. Here’s the update list:

• Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
• Nothing Phone (2a)
• Nothing Phone (2)
• Nothing Phone (1)
• CMF Phone 1

Nothing Phone (2a) and (2a) Plus are the newest devices; it is going to reach them first, probably in the September or October month, before reaching other models.

Nothing OS 3.0 Expected Features

1. New Lock Screen Customization:

New clock styles and customizations for widgets are coming. The users can now make the clock face small to see more notifications. This update features mid-aligned clocks with various design elements, somewhat similar to how Apple does its lock screen.

2. Revamped Quick Settings Panel

Nothing OS 3.0 will pack a long-delayed refresh to the Quick Settings panel that’s finally coming. In this new design, tiles would appear smaller and more discreet, turning red when toggled on, further improving the look of the interface and sticking way closer to Nothing’s aesthetic language.

3. Interactive Dot Animations:

Not much information is available about the above-mentioned animations, but they can be used to add a bit of life and interaction to app icons and widgets. For instance, a widget that adjusts the screen brightness could implement some sort of animation that will demonstrate, in an eye-pleasing way, precisely by how much the brightness has changed.

4. Community and Gallery Apps:

Nothing is building standalone apps for its community and gallery and move away from purely Web-based interfaces to far more unified mobile experiences.

5. Private Space:

Another massive feature of Android 15 that might make its way onto Nothing OS 3.0 is Private Space. This feature enables the hiding of apps, locking, and even cloning of apps for better privacy and convenience. Carl Pei also asked about these features being added to Nothing OS for its followers on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Nothing also recently announced the Android 15 closed beta program for Nothing Phone (2a). It will be based on Nothing OS 3.0 with new features and improvements. What are some of the features you’d like to see in the UI? Let us know in the comments.