The Nothing OS 2.5 update recently brought Android 14 to the Nothing Phone (1), (2), and (2a), along with new features like AI Wallpapers, call recording and ChatGPT widgets. You might have gotten used to those features, but the company has another update coming soon. Nothing OS 3.0 is a major software update based on Android 15 and promises a refreshed look to the interface, cool apps, and many new features.
Nothing CEO Carl Pei has been teasing some of the upcoming Nothing OS 3.0 features. With the release around the corner, here’s a closer look at some of the best features you can expect to see on your Nothing or CMF phone. We’ll also discuss its release date and supported devices.
Table of Contents
1. New Lock Screen Customizations
With Nothing OS 2.6, you can add widgets and change shortcuts on your lock screen. But Nothing OS 3.0 is taking it up a notch – you’ll get to customize the clock and widget style. Carl Pei shared some sneak peeks on X (formerly Twitter); they look pretty cool.
The first image shows the basic lock screen we’re used to with the clock, day, and date. But, the second image reveals the new customization features in Nothing OS 3.0, letting you change the look of the clock and widget area.
For the widget lovers, the ‘Expanded Widget Area’ will help them fit more widgets. This means you can make the clock smaller to fit two rows of widgets. It shows the clock and day in one row, then the weather, quick actions, and contacts shortcut below.
You can also create stacks of widgets, just like on iPhones and Samsung phones. This allows you to swipe through different widgets in the same spot.
2. Interactive Dot Animations
Nothing OS 3.0 will also introduce an Interactive Dot Animation feature, likely applied to app icons and widgets. It uses three layers: an input image, a live interaction layer, and a final output.
These interactive dot animations start with a base image (static or animated). Using various animation techniques, a live interaction layer then dynamically modifies this image based on user actions (taps, swipes, etc.). The final result is a visually appealing animation that responds in real-time to user input.
The Nothing OS 3.0’s interface will be more lively and interactive. You can look forward to icons that react when touched, wallpapers that subtly shift as you move your phone, or notifications that animate uniquely.
3. Redesigned Quick Settings Panel
Carl Pei has been gathering feedback on revamping Nothing OS’s Quick Settings for a while. Nothing OS 3.0 will feature a redesigned Quick Settings panel. The early images of that look cleaner and modern.
A cluster of four setting toggles, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, is on the left, followed by a square widget stack on the right. The brightness slider is now thicker and more prominent, though it still requires expanding the menu to access it.
The ringer mode is a slider for switching between ring, vibrate, and silent modes. Plus, the torch icon glows red when turned on, which is better than the typical gray-white combination.
A clean gradient flows to the bottom of the expanded quick settings panel when something is playing on the phone, taking color from the media player thumbnail. You can view the normal and expanded quick settings panel in light and dark modes.
4. Nothing’s Own Gallery App
Nothing seems to be working on a its Gallery app to replace the default Google Photos, and it might be released with Nothing OS 3.0. While Google Photos is great, but it can be a bit overwhelming for some users, especially since it requires signing in.
There might also be a dedicated app for the Nothing Community, similar to what OnePlus has. Fans have also been asking for separate Dialer, Calendar, and Calculator apps in Nothing OS 3.0. But company hasn’t promised anything.
5. Android 15 Features: Private Space, App Archiving, and App Pairs
Nothing OS 3.0 is getting a major upgrade with Android 15, which means some cool new features are coming. One of these is Private Space, which is like having a secret spot for your apps and files, similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder. So if you want to keep prying eyes away from certain files and apps, you can stash them in this hidden space. Carl Pei recently sought feedback on whether to retain the hidden icons feature or transition to Private Space.
Another cool feature is App Archiving. Ideal for apps you don’t use all the time but don’t want to delete, similar to iOS’s Offload App feature. You can archive them, which frees up space on your phone, and when you need them again, you can easily bring them back with all your data intact.
Lastly, App Pairs is a feature that multitasking fans will love. If you always use two apps together, like Chrome and Gmail, you can now create a pair. With just a tap, both apps will open side-by-side in split-screen mode.
Nothing OS 3.0: What’s the Release Date
Carl Pei did confirm in one of his tweets that Nothing OS 3.0 will arrive in September. Considering Google is launching the Pixel 9 series with Android 15 sometime in August, this will give Nothing some time before unveiling its next update in September.
Nothing announced the Android 15 Developer Beta for the Nothing Phone (2) and (2a) in May, followed by the Beta 2 release in June. So, it’s not a surprise and is already being tested.
Here Are the Phones That Will Get Nothing OS 3.0
Nothing has only a handful of phones under its belt. All Nothing phones released to date have a three-year major update policy, meaning even the first Nothing Phone (1), released with Android 12, is set to receive Nothing OS 3.0 (likely its last major update).
The CMF Phone 1 receives two major updates. But since it was recently released, this will be its first major update. Here’s the full list of devices expected to get the Nothing OS 3.0 update:
- Nothing Phone (1)
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus (review)
- CMF Phone 1 (review)
Every Nothing phone will get the exciting Nothing OS 3.0 update. While we know the upcoming features, but Nothing might have some surprises in store for the final release.
