Nothing
Nothing Phone (2) Receives Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1
The Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 is now available for users of the Nothing Phone (2). This latest software release by Nothing brings a range of new features and improvements, allowing users to experience Android 15’s capabilities firsthand.
This announcement was made through Nothing’s community forum, which also revealed that Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1 will receive the Android 15-based update next month. Here’s everything you need to know about the new beta version, including its features, installation instructions, and potential issues.
What’s New in Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1?
The Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 introduces several exciting features aimed at enhancing user experience, including:
1. Shared Widgets
- Users can now connect with friends and family through shared widgets. This feature allows others’ widgets to appear on your home screen, letting you stay connected and react to each other’s updates right from your device.
2. Enhanced Lock Screen Customization
- The lock screen has been upgraded with a new customization page, accessible by long-pressing on the screen. Users can select from updated clock styles and enjoy expanded widget space, making it easier to display more information right from the lock screen.
3. AI-Powered Smart Drawer
- The AI-driven Smart Drawer can now automatically organize apps into folders based on category. Additionally, users can pin their favorite apps at the top of the drawer for faster access.
4. Quick Settings and Visual Updates
- The Quick Settings menu has a refreshed design with an easier editing process. The Settings app also features an improved widget library, along with visual updates in sections like Network & Internet and Bluetooth.
5. Camera Improvements
- The camera experience is enhanced with faster launch speeds, reduced HDR processing times, and optimized portrait effects. Low-light performance is improved, and the zoom slider now has a more user-friendly display.
6. Enhanced Pop-Up View for Multitasking
- Users can now move and resize the pop-up view for easier multitasking. This feature allows notifications to be viewed without leaving the current app, providing a cleaner and more efficient experience.
7. Additional Improvements
- Other notable updates include a new auto-archive function to free up storage space, partial screen sharing for improved privacy, and updates to the fingerprint and charging animations with the signature Nothing dot-matrix styling.
How to Install the Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 on Nothing Phone (2)
To get the new beta version, follow these steps:
- Pre-requisite: Ensure your Nothing Phone (2) is updated to Nothing OS version 2.6, with build number Pong-U2.6-241016-1700.
- Download the APK: Update to Beta Version APK
- Install the APK: Open the downloaded file and install it.
- Start the Update:
- Go to Settings > System > Update to Beta Version.
- Tap on “Check for new version” and follow the prompts.
Important Note: This is a beta version, meaning it may contain bugs that could affect the device’s performance or user experience. It’s recommended to back up your data before installing, as a factory reset may be required.
Expected Timeline for Stable Release
Nothing has not specified an official date for the stable release of Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0. However, with continued testing and feedback from beta users, the final stable version is expected by December 2024.
Future Updates for Other Nothing Devices
In addition to the Phone (2), Nothing has confirmed that other devices, including the Phone (1), Phone (2a) Plus, and CMF Phone 1, will receive the Android 15-based beta update in December 2024.
The Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 offers a substantial set of upgrades for Nothing Phone (2) users eager to experience new Android features. From enhanced widgets and an AI-powered Smart Drawer to improved camera functionality, this update brings both usability and aesthetic improvements. However, as with all beta software, users should be cautious of potential bugs and back up their data before installation.
Nothing has started rolling out the new Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta 2 update for its latest devices — the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro. The update size is around 55.44 MB and focuses mainly on bug fixes and performance improvements rather than introducing new features.
According to a post on the Nothing Community forum, the update improves camera preview accuracy. Now, photos taken at certain zoom levels will more closely match what users see in the viewfinder. This helps ensure more accurate photo results.
In addition, the stability of Essential Apps has been optimized for a smoother experience. Many users had reported high memory usage notifications earlier — Nothing claims to have addressed this issue with the latest update.
However, there are no new features added in this beta version. Users can expect bigger visual changes, including new status bar icons, in the upcoming stable Nothing OS 4.0 update, which is expected to arrive by the end of November 2025.
After installation, users reported that the phone performs normally with no connectivity or performance issues. Features like calling, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth continue to work smoothly.
Nothing fans are now eagerly waiting for the Nothing OS 4.0 stable release, hoping for more visual changes and added functionality in the next update.
If you’ve ever admired the Liquid Glass Dock Bar look on iPhones and wished to get the same on your Nothing Phone, here’s some good news — you can now do it easily using the Dock Walls app.
Dock Walls App – Play Store
This app lets you add a smooth, transparent dock background behind your apps, giving your home screen a clean and modern iPhone-like appearance. It works perfectly on Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (3), Phone (3a) Series & CMF Phones, and even other Android smartphones.
You don’t need to root your device or install a custom launcher — just download Dock Walls from the Play Store, enable the dock wallpaper, and adjust the transparency and color to your liking.
With this quick setup, your Nothing Phone will instantly get that Liquid Glass floating dock effect — sleek, minimal, and beautiful.
Nothing has officially unveiled its new smartphone — the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite. The company posted the launch details around 6:30 PM, revealing a brand-new design and some interesting features. As the name suggests, this is the “Lite” version of the Nothing Phone (3a), but the design and hardware are quite different.
Design & Build
The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite comes in two colors – Black and White, featuring a triple-camera setup at the back. The overall rear design is completely new, looking somewhat similar to the CMF Phone 2 Pro in terms of the camera layout. The phone includes a single LED Glyph light, unlike the multiple LED strips seen on the higher-end models. The back panel appears to have a glass finish, giving it a premium look.
Display
The phone sports a 6.77-inch flexible AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 3000 nits of peak brightness, offering the same quality as the CMF Phone 2 Pro display.
Performance
Under the hood, the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset, the same processor used in the CMF Phone 2 Pro. It runs on Nothing OS 3.5, based on Android 15.
Camera
The device features a 50MP main sensor with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization), but no OIS. It also includes an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor. On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera.
Battery & Charging
The phone packs a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support. However, no charger is included in the box — users will only get the phone, a case, a charging cable, and documentation.
Storage Options
Two variants will be available:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage
The storage type is UFS 2.2, and it also supports microSD card expansion up to 2TB.
Software & Updates
Nothing promises 3 major Android updates and 6 years of security patches. The device also comes with an in-display fingerprint sensor and IP54 water and dust resistance.
Pricing & Availability
Currently, the pricing is only revealed in Euros, with no official information about the India launch yet. Based on conversions, the phone could be priced between Rs 19,000 to Rs 21,000 in India, sitting between the Nothing Phone (3a) and CMF Phone 2 Pro in the lineup.