Nothing is rolling out Nothing OS 5.0, bringing Android 17 to its latest smartphones along with a significant refresh of its unique software experience.

The open beta launches today, August 26, initially for the Nothing Phone (3). The wider rollout is expected to reach most eligible Nothing devices by January 2027. Some of the older models will miss out, however, including the Phone (1), Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1. 

The update retains Nothing’s signature minimalist and monochrome design while giving users more control over the look and feel of their devices.

One of the main additions is adaptive colour, which allows app icons and widgets to take colours from the user’s wallpaper. The colours can change automatically when the wallpaper is changed, with the Nothing aesthetic remaining the same. The Nothing monochrome style is available to continue using for those owners who prefer that theme.

Nothing has also expanded its homescreen and lockscreen customisation. Users can select and move multiple app icons at once and the lockscreen clocks can now also draw colours from the wallpaper. There are two new clock designs to choose from, called “Gooey” and “Micrographics”, a more playful look and a more information-focused layout. 

For devices that feature Nothing’s Glyph lighting system, OS 5.0 introduces a Glyph Interface app. This brings Glyph controls and features together in a single location and makes Nothing’s distinctive rear lighting system easier to manage. 

There are also several practical additions to the update. An Away Time widget tracks how long users have been away from their phone, and a Collector widget can turn photographs of objects into icons for the homescreen or lockscreen. Quick Settings also gains single-tap Bluetooth controls, while animated status bar icons provide visual feedback for actions such as switching Airplane Mode on or off. 

Android 17 also brings its own platform upgrades. These include enhanced Quick Share, new Noto 3D emojis and an expanded dark-theme.

Nothing is also expanding its Essential AI features, with improvements including cleaner Essential Voice transcriptions, Smart Collections for organising Essential Space captures, Model Context Protocol support and the ability to create Essential Apps directly on the device.

OS 5.0 represents a substantial evolution for Nothing, rather than a simple Android upgrade. It keeps the minimalist brand identity the company is known for, while adding the ability for greater personalisation, as well as AI functionality and tighter control over its signature Glyph experience.