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software:nothing_os [25 April 2026 13:03] – created Amos Ardnachsoftware:nothing_os [02 September 2026 09:41] (current) – Approved Adam
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-Nothing OS is the proprietary Android-based operating system developed by Nothing for its own smartphones and CMF by Nothing phone series. First introduced in 2022, it emphasises a minimalist, modern design aesthetic paired with thoughtful utility.+====== Nothing OS ====== 
 +{{infobox> 
 +name = Nothing OS 
 +image = nothing_os_5.webp | A promotional image for Nothing OS 5.0 
 +Source = Nothing 
 +Based on = Android (starting with Android 12) 
 +License = Closed source 
 +Version public release dates = OS 1.0 - mid 2022\\ OS 1.5 - February 2023\\ OS 2.0 - August 2023\\ OS 2.5 - December 2023\\ OS 3.0 - December 2024\\ OS 3.5 - July 2025\\ OS 4.0 - November 2025\\ OS 5.0 - October 2026 
 +}} 
 +Nothing OS is the proprietary Android-based operating system developed by Nothing for its own smartphones and [[:cmf|CMF by Nothing]] phone series. First introduced in 2022, it emphasises a minimalist, modern design aesthetic paired with thoughtful utility. It works best alongside the [[:software:nothing_launcher|Nothing Launcher]], which is the primary Android launcher developed by Nothing.
  
-History & Development+====== History & Development ====== 
 +===== Nothing OS 1.0 ===== 
 +{{:software:nothing_os_1.5.4.jpg|A Nothing OS 1.5.4 homescreen. Source: [[https://x.com/its_adbo/status/1814263434239754733|@its_adbo on X]]}}The original Nothing OS was announced at the Nothing [[hardware:phone_1|Phone (1)]] launch keynote and official rollout began with the release of [[hardware:phone_1|Phone (1)]] in July 2022.
  
-Nothing OS 1.0+Nothing OS 1.1.0 brought an experimental Tesla integration, which allowed users to control their Tesla from the phone’s quick settings menu.((https://9to5google.com/2022/07/20/nothing-os-1-1-0)) This experimental feature was removed in a later version of Nothing OS.((https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1bqeklp/they_recently_removed_the_tesla_integration_on/))
  
-The original Nothing OS was announced at the Nothing Phone (1) launch keynote and official rollout began with the release of Phone (1) in July 2022.+==== Nothing OS 1.5 ==== 
 +Nothing OS 1.5 Beta 1 released on 15 December 2022,((https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/15/23510928/nothing-phone-1-android-13-os-1-5-open-beta-weather-app)) followed by Beta 2 on 13 January 2023((https://www.gsmarena.com/nothing_phone_1_gets_second_android_13_beta-news-57191.php)). Nothing OS 1.5 contained a number of new features and improvements including [[nothing_x|Nothing X]], [[nothing_weather|Nothing Weather]], lock screen shortcuts, an improved volume control UI, the Bluetooth pop-up window, faster app loading, Material You support, multi-language support, a QR code scanner, clipboard preview, an updated media control UI, and live captioning.((https://x.com/nothing/status/1603400212604665861))((https://www.xda-developers.com/nothing-os-15-android-13-open-beta-2/))
  
-Nothing OS 1.1.0 brought an experimental Tesla integration, which allowed users to control their Tesla from the phone’s quick settings menu.* This experimental feature was removed in a later version of Nothing OS.*+Public release (version 1.5.2) started rolling out to the public on 16 February 2023.((https://www.gsmarena.com/nothing_starts_rolling_out_a_stable_android_13_update_for_the_phone_1-news-57584.php)) There were a number of updates after this release including support for [[hardware:ear_series#ear_2|Ear (2)]], the on-device feedback menu, native UPI payment QR scanning, and more.((https://www.xda-developers.com/nothing-os-153-release/))((https://www.xda-developers.com/nothing-phone-1-update-delivers-new-features-system-improvements-and-bug-fixes/))
  
-Nothing OS 1.5 +===== Nothing OS 2.0 ===== 
-Nothing OS 1.5 Beta 1 released on 15 December 2022,* followed by Beta 2 on 13 January 2023*. Nothing OS 1.5 contained a number of new features and improvements including Nothing X, Nothing Weather, lock screen shortcuts, an improved volume control UI, the Bluetooth pop-up window, faster app loading, Material You support, multi-language support, a QR code scanner, clipboard preview, an updated media control UI, and live captioning.*,*+{{ :software:nothing_os_2.6.jpg|A Nothing OS 2.6 homescreen. Source: [[https://x.com/its_adbo/status/1814263434239754733|@its_adbo on X]]}}Released 28 August 2023, Nothing OS 2.0 introduced the now-infamous [[nothing_icon_pack|monochrome icon pack]], [[software:glyph_interface|Glyph Interface]] 2.0, Glyph Torch and Essential Notifications.((https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/28/23848779/nothing-os-2-phone-1-android-13-update-roll-out))
  
-Public release (version 1.5.2) started rolling out to the public on 16 February 2023.* There were a number of updates after this release including support for Ear (2), the on-device feedback menu, native UPI payment QR scanning, and more.*,*+==== Nothing OS 2.5 ==== 
 +Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 began with [[hardware:phone_2|Phone (2)]] on 10 October 2023,((https://nothing.community/d/1935)) followed by Beta 2 on 9 November 2023((https://nothing.community/d/3354)). Beta 1 for [[hardware:phone_1|Phone (1)]] began on 19 December 2023,((https://nothing.community/d/3992)) and Beta 2 was released 12 January 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/4707))
  
 +This version of Nothing OS was powered by Android 14 and brought new wallpaper customisation options, Glyph Progress integration for Google Calendar, enhanced gestures including three-finger swipe screenshots, and new widgets such as the pedometer widget, media player widget and screen time widget.
  
-Nothing OS 2.0+Public release began rolling out on 15 December 2023.((https://nothing.community/d/3875))
  
 +===== Nothing OS 3.0 =====
 +{{:software:nothing_os_3.0_2.webp|A Nothing OS 3.0 homescreen. Source: [[https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1h8bgx6/comment/m0v7pju/|u/EveningTutor4697 on Reddit]]}}Nothing OS 3.0, built on Android 15, underwent a staggered open beta program for each released device at the time. The dates for each beta release were:
 +  * [[hardware:phone_2a_series|Phone (2a)]] - 8 October 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/17516))
 +  * [[hardware:phone_2|Phone (2)]] - 5 November 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/19373))
 +  * [[cmf:cmf_phone_1|CMF Phone 1]] - 10 December 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/21941))
 +  * [[hardware:phone_2a_series|Phone (2a) Plus]] - 12 December 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/22120))
 +  * [[hardware:phone_1|Phone (1)]] - 13 December 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/22248))
  
-Released 28 August 2023, Nothing OS 2.0 introduced the now-infamous monochrome icon pack, Glyph Interface 2.0, Glyph Torch and Essential Notifications.*+After one round of open beta testing, the public release of Nothing OS 3.0 began rolling out on 18 December 2024.((https://nothing.community/d/22988))
  
-Nothing OS 2.5 +OS 3.0 came with many new features and improvements, such as the native gallery app, shared widget functionality, a countdown widget, smart app drawer, redesigned Quick Settings, further lock screen customisation, and more. It also came with Private Space, replacing the previous Hidden Apps feature; something some users complained about.((https://nothing.community/d/22120))
-Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 began on Phone (2) on 10 October 2023,* followed by Beta 2 on 9 November 2023*. Beta 1 for Phone (1) began on 19 December 2023,* and Beta 2 was released 12 January 2024.*+
  
-This version of Nothing OS was powered by Android 14 and brought new wallpaper customisation options, Glyph Progress integration for Google Calendar, enhanced gestures including three-finger swipe screenshots, and new widgets such as the pedometer widget, media player widget and screen time widget.*+==== Nothing OS 3.5 ==== 
 +Debuted in July 2025 with the [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]], Nothing OS 3.5 introduced the [[software:glyph_interface#glyph_matrix|Glyph Matrix]] and Glyph Toys, Flip to record, camera enhancements, 120 FPS gaming support and further improvements.((https://nothing.community/d/37363))
  
-Public release began rolling out on 15 December 2023.*+===== Nothing OS 4.0 ===== 
 +{{ :software:lock_glimpse.webp|A promotional image of the Lock Glimpse feature. Source: [[https://nothing.community/d/45348|nothing.community]]}}The first Nothing OS build powered by Android 16 entered Closed Beta, exclusive to [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]] devices, in August 2025 after being announced 30 July 2025.((https://nothing.community/d/38691)) The Open Beta began on 30 September, and was initially open to [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]], [[hardware:phone_2a_series|Phone (2a)]], [[hardware:phone_2a_series|Phone (2a) Plus]] and [[hardware:phone_2|Phone (2)]] users.((https://nothing.community/d/43141)) The Open Beta then expanded to [[hardware:phone_3a_series|Phone (3a)]] and [[hardware:phone_3a_series|Phone (3a) Pro]] users on 24 October.((https://nothing.community/d/45141))
  
 +The general release of OS 4.0 started with [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]] on 21 November 2025, and rolled out to the rest of the Nothing & CMF line-up over the following weeks.
  
-Nothing OS 3.0+New and improved features with OS 4.0 included restoring Hidden Apps (as well as keeping Private Space), redesigned first party app icons, new clock faces, a status bar refresh, dual floating icons, extra dark mode, smoother animations, an expanded Glyph Progress, more 1x1 and 2x1 layouts for existing widgets, Universal Search settings, and access to download [[software:essential_apps_and_playground|Playground Essential Apps]]. 
  
-Nothing OS 3.0, built on Android 15, underwent a staggered open beta program for each released device at the time. The dates for each beta release were:+For [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]] specifically, [[software:glyph_mirror|Glyph Mirror]] now allowed users to capture an image in [[software:glyph_interface#glyph_matrix|Glyph Matrix]] style, two new Glyph Toys were introduced: Hourglass & Lunar Cycle, a pocket mode for [[software:glyph_interface#glyph_matrix|Glyph Matrix]] was introduced, and an option to choose between Vibrate or Silent mode when using Flip to Glyph.((https://nothing.community/d/47265))
  
-Phone (2a) - 8 October 2024.*+On [[hardware:phone_3a_series|Phone (3a) series]] devices and [[:cmf|CMF phones]], Nothing introduced Lock Glimpse - a feature supposed to bring "fresh, high-quality wallpapers to your lock screen, curated to your taste across nine categories". The introduction of Lock Glimpse faced immediate backlash from the community, hailing it as "bloatware" on an otherwise clean and minimal OS.((https://nothing.community/d/45213)) Nothing released a number of statements and updates around this feature, ultimately deciding to fully remove it on [[hardware:phone_3a_series|(a) series]] devices as of 9 January 2026.((https://nothing.community/d/45348))
  
-Phone (2) - 5 November 2024.*+====Nothing OS 4.1==== 
 +Nothing OS 4.1 was introduced in [[hardware:phone_4a_series|Phone (4a) series]] launch posts on 5 March 2025.  It was the first major update to Nothing OS 4.0, introducing a more vibrant and customisable lock screen, two relaxation-focused widgets, and upgraded Live Notification support for the [[glyph_interface|Glyph Interface]]. A few enhancements like polished animations, frame-interpolated transitions, and faster app launches were also made. With [[hardware:phone_4a_series|Phone (4a) series]] and Nothing OS 4.1, [[software:essential_space|Essential Space]] started supporting cloud access, enabling seamless cross-platform use across phones, desktops, laptops, watches, and more.((https://nothing.community/d/53745))((https://nothing.community/d/53744))
  
-CMF Phone 1 - 10 December 2024.*+Nothing OS 4.1 started rolling out to [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]] devices starting from 23 April 2026. Nothing introduced Essential Voice, a new lock screen clock, an improved Live Update integration, cleaner Essential Notifications and made some stability and security enhancements.(( https://nothing.community/d/56170))
  
-Phone (2a) Plus - 12 December 2024.*+===== Nothing OS 5.0 ===== 
 +{{:software:nothing_os_5_screenshot.webp |A Nothing OS 5.0 homescreen and Collector widget. Source: [[https://x.com/singularity_ux/status/2093262124625661990|@singularity_ux on X]]}}Nothing OS 5.0, built on Android 17, was announced in August 2026 and brought a large number of improvements and new features. The Open Beta began with [[hardware:phone_3|Phone (3)]] on 26 August 2026, with more eligible devices planned to join over the following months. Nothing released an official rollout timeline listing the expected months each device could participate in the Open Beta as well as the general release. The update represents a further evolution of Nothing's design language, introducing a new software material combining transparency with a subtle frosted effect, the Geist typeface as the system font, and a new colour engine which adapts elements such as icons, widgets and controls to the colours of the user's wallpaper.((https://nothing.community/d/61774-nothing-os-evolution))
  
-Phone (1) - 13 December 2024.*+Nothing OS 5.0 also introduced a redesigned Settings interface, with an option to separate Settings and Notifications panels, a cleaner status bar with custom system icons and animations, updated Camera controls and QR code scanning, and improvements to the [[software:nothing_gallery|Nothing Gallery]], including sorting, filtering and album organisation. The redesigned homescreen adds a new theme with translucent widgets alongside the existing Nothing OS style, as well as wallpaper-adaptive colours and easier batch editing, allowing the user to select multiple apps and widgets to move simultaneously . The lock screen gains two new clock faces, "Gooey" and "Micrographics" and additional colour options - a popular feature request since Nothing OS began. 
  
-After one round of open beta testing, the public release of Nothing OS 3.0 began rolling out on 18 December 2024.*+Two new widgets were introduced: Away Time, which tracks periods of phone downtime, and Collector, which utilises the camera to add items to a visual collection. The [[software:glyph_interface|Glyph Interface]] also received a dedicated app bringing supported Glyph features, sounds, ringtones and schedules together, while the Glyph Timer can now be started directly from a homescreen widget. Performance improvements include smarter background management, faster app launches, improved scrolling and touch response, and animations which respond more naturally when an interaction is reversed midway through. Bluetooth controls in Quick Settings were also redesigned to make connecting and disconnecting supported devices quicker.
  
-OS 3.0 came with many new features and improvements, such as the native gallery app, shared widget functionality, a countdown widget, smart app drawer, redesigned Quick Settings, further lock screen customisation, and more. It also came with Private Space, replacing the previous Hidden Apps feature; something some users complained about.* +Essential AI features were given an expansion too. Improvements to [[:essential#essential_voice|Essential Voice]] introduced cleaner transcription, list detection and real-time transcription, alongside planned real-time translation. [[:software:essential_space|Essential Space]] gained Smart Collections, which can recommend captures for collections and suggest new collections, as well as read-only Model Context Protocol (MCP) support for compatible AI platforms. [[:software:essential_apps_and_playground|Essential Apps]] Builder also moved onto the phone as an app, allowing users to create AI-powered tools and widgets using natural language without writing code.((https://nothing.community/d/61730-nothing-os-50-new-features-explained))
- +
-Nothing OS 3.5 +
-Debuted in July 2025 with the Phone (3), Nothing OS 3.5 introduced the Glyph Matrix and Glyph Toys, Flip to record, camera enhancements, 120 FPS gaming support and further improvements.* +
- +
- +
-Nothing OS 4.0 +
-The first Nothing OS build powered by Android 16 entered Closed Beta, exclusive to Phone (3) devices, in August 2025 after being announced 30 July 2025.* The Open Beta began on 30 September, and was initially open to Phone (3), Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus and Phone (2) users.* The Open Beta then expanded to Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro users on 24 October.* +
- +
-The general release of OS 4.0 started with Phone (3) on 21 November 2025, and rolled out to the rest of the Nothing & CMF lineup over the following weeks. +
- +
-New and improved features with OS 4.0 included restoring Hidden Apps (as well as keeping Private Space), redesigned first party app icons, new clock faces, a status bar refresh, dual floating icons, extra dark mode, smoother animations, an expanded Glyph Progress, more 1x1 and 2x1 layouts for existing widgets, Universal Search settings, and access to download Playground Essential Apps.  +
- +
-For Phone (3) specifically, Glyph Mirror now allowed users to capture an image in Glyph Matrix style, two new Glyph Toys were introduced: Hourglass & Lunar Cycle, a pocket mode for Glyph Matrix was introduced, and an option to choose between Vibrate or Silent mode when using Flip to Glyph.* +
- +
-Screenshot of Lock GlimpseOn (3a) series devices and CMF phones, Nothing introduced Lock Glimpse - a feature supposed to bring "fresh, high-quality wallpapers to your lock screen, curated to your taste across nine categories". The introduction of Lock Glimpse faced immediate backlash from the community, hailing it as "bloatware" on an otherwise clean and minimal OS.* Nothing released a number of statements and updates around this feature, ultimately deciding to fully remove it on (a) series devices as of 9 January 2026.*+