Nothing Phone (2) gets Android 15 in Open Beta this week – here’s the rest of the schedule

Andrew Romero | Nov 5 2024 - 11:58 am PT

Nothing has been announced that the latest version of its own OS – Nothing OS 3.0 – will launch tomorrow in an open beta phase for the Phone (2). The beta brings a slew of major improvements from Android 15.

As with most major OEMs, users with the latest devices are generally the first to get the latest OS when it comes out. Android 15 seems to be an exception to that rule since the Pixel 9 received the full version at the same time as the generation before it. The Phone (2a) first received Nothing OS 3.0, but it is now the Phone (2)’s turn.

Nothing announced that Nothing OS 3.0 would be released in open beta tomorrow, November 6, for the Phone (2). The update is based on Android 15 and includes several improvements.

Some of the additions come as interesting features, like shared widgets, while others make complete sense, like favorite apps pinned to the top of the app drawer. It looks like Quick Settings is also getting an overhaul to make it a little easier to navigate.

The camera is getting some major improvements like a faster launch, faster HDR processing times, and boosted performance in low light. The Nothing OS 3.0 open beta is meant to put these changes to the test, so it’ll be interesting to see how much the Phone (2)’s camera changes between updates.

Nothing also noted that the Phone (1) would see Nothing OS 3.0 in December along with the Phone (2a) Plus. The CMF Phone 1 will get the new OS around the same time at the end of the year. Nothing’s beta can be downloaded from an APK on it’s website.

You can read the full changelog below…

Use widgets to link up with friends and family. See another person’s widgets displayed on your home screen and interact with each other through reactions. A new way to stay connected.
New lock screen customisation page. Access by long-pressing the lock screen.
Upgraded clock faces. Choose your favourite style.
Expanded widget space, allowing you to place more widgets on your lock screen.
Added AI-powered Smart Drawer feature to automatically categorise your apps into folders. For better organisation and easy access.
For ultimate convenience, you can pin your favourite apps to the top of the app drawer. No scrolling required.
Reconsidered Quick Settings design with an optimised editing experience.
Enhanced widget library design.Updated visuals in Settings including better Network & Internet and Bluetooth options.
Faster camera launch speed under the Camera Widget.
Reduced HDR scene processing time.
Optimised portrait effects by fine-tuning blur intensity based on face size.
Boosted camera performance in low-light environments.
Improved zoom slider display.

Movable pop-up view for cleaner and more productive multi-tasking.
Easily resize the pop-up view by dragging the bottom corners.
Pin the pop-up view on the screen edge for quick access.
View information without leaving your current app. Simply swipe down on incoming notifications to enter the pop-up view. Enable via Settings > System > Pop-up view.
AI-powered selection and prioritisation of your frequently used apps, keeping them at your fingertips for a more efficient experience
Added support for auto-archive function to automatically free up storage space without removing apps or data from your device.
Partial screen sharing for more efficient and secure screen recording. Record just an app window rather than the entire screen.
Updated setup wizard to version 3.0 for the smoothest introduction to Nothing OS.
Enabled predictive back animations for apps that have opted in.
New fingerprint animation with signature dot matrix styling.
New charging animation with signature dot matrix styling.