Quick Summary
The Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta is here and the Nothing Phone (2a) is the first to get access.
Nothing warns, however, that this is not final software and it may cause some problems with your phone – so install it at your own risk.
There are plenty of new features coming to Nothing Phones in the near future and it looks like the Nothing Phone (2a) is the first to benefit. There's a slight catch, however – this update isn't final software, so it might not work completely as expected.
Nothing announced the details of Nothing OS 3.0 a couple of weeks ago, confirming that there would be an Open Beta in October. It's now October and the Open Beta is here, starting with the Nothing Phone (2a). Nothing is calling this "the software we've always want to make", so there's a lot resting on the next version of its experience.
If you are the owner of a Nothing Phone (2a), then you can download the APK and install the beta on your phone now. The company does warn, however, that "test software may interfere with your data and require a factory reset", at which point you'd lose everything on your phone. The company also suggests that rolling back (returning to the previous software) is "not recommended".
When will other Nothing Phones get access to the OS 3.0 Open Beta?
As well as pushing the Open Beta for the Nothing Phone (2a), the company has confirmed a timeline for the other devices eligible for the update:
- Nothing Phone (2): November 2024
- Nothing Phone (1): December 2024
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: December 2024
- Nothing CMF Phone 1: December 2024
It's perhaps a little strange that the company opens its beta for the 2a – one of the best affordable phones – rather than its current flagship, but you'll only have to wait a couple of weeks if you have the Nothing Phone (2).
What's new in Nothing OS 3.0?
Nothing has given a detailed breakdown of the new features in the OS 3.0, which is built on Android 15. The update includes lockscreen customisation with new clock faces and more space for widgets.
The app tray becomes a smart drawer, able to use AI to categorise your apps into folders, with the ability to pin your favourite apps so there's no need to scroll. Quick settings gets an update too, with new widget design, better connection graphics and improved editing.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
The camera is getting a hefty update, with faster HDR processing, a better portrait experience, improved low-light performance and better zoom slider.
There are a couple of other elements that roll-in as part of Android 15, including better app archiving, partial screen recording and an updated setup wizard, making moving to the phone even smoother.
It's a comprehensive update, but just be warned: at this stage, it's not final software, so install it at your own risk.
Chris has been writing about consumer tech for over 15 years. Formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Pocket-lint, he's covered just about every product launched, witnessed the birth of Android, the evolution of 5G, and the drive towards electric cars. You name it and Chris has written about it, driven it or reviewed it. Now working as a freelance technology expert, Chris' experience sees him covering all aspects of smartphones, smart homes and anything else connected. Chris has been published in titles as diverse as Computer Active and Autocar, and regularly appears on BBC News, BBC Radio, Sky, Monocle and Times Radio. He was once even on The Apprentice... but we don't talk about that.
-
Nothing has eyes on its most ambitious project yet
Nothing's founder has revealed an interest in real disruption
By Chris Hall Published
-
A surprise Nothing phone launch is happening this month
Another new handset looks to be coming from the plucky start-up
By Sam Cross Published
-
Nothing plans a huge free upgrade for its phones with tonnes of new features
Nothing OS 3.0 has leaked
By Chris Hall Published
-
Possible Nothing Phone (3) listed online, could also come with a larger Plus model this time
A duo of unannounced Nothing smartphones have been spotted online
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Nothing Ear (Open) "confirmed" online – only a matter of time before we see the new earbuds
New Ear (Open) headphones could help keep you connected to the real world
By Chris Hall Published
-
Nothing plans yet more wireless earbuds soon, with "Nothing Ear Open" spotted in listing
Nothing is working on more earbuds
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
CMF Phone 1's removable rear cover doesn't necessarily mean it's easy to repair
It's not quite the progress many expected
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Nothing Phone (2) gets a great free upgrade packed with features
Your Nothing Phone (2) can now do a little more
By Chris Hall Published