Nothing Phone (1) gets stable Android 15 release, likely its last major update

Ben Schoon | Jan 16 2025 - 11:15 am PT

The Nothing Phone (1) just picked up its stable Android 15 release, which is very likely the phone’s final major Android update.

Nothing started rolling out it stable Android 15 update in mid-December 2024 for Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a), and has also since expanded to Phone (2a) Plus. The latest in line, rolling out this week, is the original Nothing Phone (1).

Available as an over-the-air (OTA) update through the Settings app, the update brings Phone (1) up to Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.0, which also adds a number of new features, redesigns, and various other improvements. Users who have already installed the update have mentioned that it seems to be running well on the company’s oldest device, though it is missing the Circle to Search feature available on newer releases.

The full changelog follows:

Shared Widgets

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.

Shared Widgets are currently only supported between Nothing devices. And only Photo Widgets (square) can be shared. We are rapidly developing support for other widgets, so stay tuned!

Notes: As Shared Widgets are in beta, you might encounter some issues. We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance your experience.

Lock screen

Introduced new lock screen customisation page. Access by long-pressing the lock screen or via the Customisation page.

Choose from a range of new Clock face styles.

Expanded widget space, allowing you to place more widgets on your lock screen.

New app drawer style

Added AI-powered Smart Drawer to automatically categorise your apps into folders, keeping your app drawer organised and making apps easy to find.

Now you can pin your favourite apps to the top of the app drawer for quick access to your favourite apps.

Enhanced pop-up view

Drag the pop-up view to any position on the screen, for convenient multitasking.

Easily resize the pop-up view by dragging the bottom corners.

Pin the pop-up view on the screen edge, for speedy access.

Swipe down incoming notifications to enter the pop-up view. Allows you to quickly view information without leaving your current app. Enable via Settings > Special features > Pop-up view.

Elevated design

Redesigned Quick Settings, and an optimised editing experience. Allows you to effortlessly tailor your shortcuts to your preferences.

Redesigned widget library. Choose your favourite Nothing Widgets or swipe left to browse third-party widgets.

Enhanced Settings with updated UI visuals. Network & Internet and Bluetooth options now display current connection.

New Dot animation for fingerprint unlocking and charging.

Other improvements

Allow AI to learn your usage habits and prioritise your frequently used apps. Keeps them active for longer intelligently for a smoother and more efficient experience.

Added support for auto-archive function. Automatically frees up storage space without removing apps or data from your device.

New partial screen sharing, so you can record just an app window rather than the entire screen.

Updated setup wizard to version 3.0 for a smoother introduction.

Enabled predictive back animations for apps that have opted in.

The Nothing Phone (1) was announced in mid-2022 with the promise of three years of Android OS updates. It initially launched with Android 12, and has been updated to Android 13, 14, and now 15. Nothing is still committed to at least one more year of security patches.

This update is also still on its way to CMF Phone 1.

Meanwhile, Nothing is preparing for the launch of Phone (3) this year, and reportedly just crossed $1 billion in lifetime sales.