Nothing Tech has released the first open beta of Nothing OS 3.0 for Nothing Phone 2(a). The update carries several new features and enhancements, including AI-powered smart drawer, lock screen customization, camera improvements, new fingerprint animation with signature dot matrix styling and more.
The stable version of Nothing OS 3.0 based on the Android 15 is expected to launch in December 2024. In the meantime, Nothing Phone 2(a) users can try the Nothing OS 3.0 open beta 1 on their device right now and experience all the new goodies of Android 15 update before others get it.
Contents
Key features of Nothing OS 3.0 open beta 1
- Long press on lock screen opens new customization page
- New clock faces for lock screen and home screen
- Expanded space for more widgets on the lock screen.
- AI-powered Smart Drawer automatically categorizes your apps into folders
- Option to pin your favorite apps to the top of the app drawer
- Enhanced Quick Settings design with an optimized editing experience
- Faster camera launch speed under the Camera Widget, reduced HDR processing time, and enhanced camera performance in low-light environments.
- Enhanced pop-up view for more productive multi-tasking
- New fingerprint animation with signature dot matrix styling
- And other Android 15 goodies
Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta release dates for Nothing Phones:
- Phone (2a): Available now
- Phone (2): November 2024
- Phone (1): December 2024
- Phone (2a) Plus: December 2024
- CMF Phone 1: December 2024
Follow the below instruction to install the Nothing OS 3.0 open beta update on your device.
Important: This beta version may cause problems with your data, and you may need to reset your phone to the factory settings. This means you could lose all your data. We strongly suggest you make a backup of your data before trying the beta software. Also, owners of the Nothing Phone 2(a) in Japan will not be able to use the first open beta version because of FeliCa restrictions.
How to Install Nothing OS 3.0 Open Beta 1 on Phone (2a)?
1. First, install the latest Nothing OS version 2.6 (build number should be Pacman-U2.6-240828_1906) on your Phone 2(a).
2. Next, download the Nothing OS Open Beta OTA Update APK file (link) and install it on your device.
3. Now, open the Settings app, select System, scroll down to bottom and tap the “Update to Beta version” option.
4. Next, tap the “Check for new version” button.
5. You will get new version available with build number v3.0-240923-2135 (1.4GB).
6. Next, tap the “Download Package” button and follow the steps to install the Nothing OS 3.0 open beta on your Phone 2(a).
How to Rollback to stable version of Nothing OS 2.6?
Note: Rollbacks are not recommended, as unexpected issues may occur.
If you decide to roll back, you must backup all your data as the rollback will result in a factory reset. All unsaved data will be lost.
1. Download the rollback package for Nothing OS 2.6 (link).
2. Navigate to Settings > System > Update to Beta version.
3. Tap “Import file” and select the previously downloaded package.
4. Follow the steps to carry through with the rollback.
It’s not a good idea for people who are new to installing the beta (test) version of Nothing OS 3.0 on their device. The stable (official) version of Nothing OS 3.0, which is based on the Android 15 operating system, is expected to be released in December 2024. It’s better to wait until the stable version is available as an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
