Nothing brings Android 15 to the $200 CMF Phone 1

Ben Schoon | Jan 17 2025 - 6:25 am PT

Wrapping up its Android 15 rollout, Nothing is now rolling out Android 15 to the CMF Phone 1.

Nothing’s Android 15 update, Nothing OS 3.0, started rolling out to Phone (2) and Phone (2a) users in December and has expanded quickly in the time since. Earlier this week, the company started rolling out the update to Nothing Phone (1), as well as to the CMF Phone 1.

The CMF Phone 1 launched last year as the most affordable option in Nothing’s lineup, and packed quite a punch for its mere $199 price tag. The performance, hardware, and even camera were considerably better than the price would suggest. It wasn’t a perfect phone, but it was almost too good to be true.

Review: Nothing’s $199 CMF Phone (1) is either the best deal in Android or too good to be true

Now, that device is getting its first major update in Android 15. The update delivers several new features from Nothing including “Shared Widgets,” a new (thankfully optional) app drawer style, and a revamp lock screen among other changes and improvements.

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.

Improved the lock screen charging status display to help you easily know the charging speed at a glance.

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.

This update is rolling out in a “staggered” manner to CMF Phone 1 users, meaning that while some got the update earlier this week, others may need to wait a few more days.