The Nothing Phone (1) smartphone is finally getting the Android 14 software update that the newer Nothing Phone (2) model recently received. Nothing OS version 2.5 Beta software is now available for the Nothing Phone (1). This update brings new features from Android 14 as well as some new capabilities added by Nothing. Here is all the key information you need to know about the Nothing OS 2.5 Beta software on the Nothing Phone (1).
In Short
- New open beta release of Nothing OS (v2.5) now available
- Upgrades Phone (1) software to latest Android 14 operating system
- Introduces redesigned lockscreen with more customizations
- Includes new homescreen widgets and options
- Upgrades the Glyph interface lighting animations
- Smoother performance enhancements reported
- Can install via Nothing Beta app or manual OTA download
- Provides early access new features and improvements
- As beta software some bugs/issues are still possible
- Backup your phone before installing for safety
- Check update settings or visit Nothing website for more details
- Share your feedback once you’ve tried the beta!
Nothing first announced that OS 2.5 Beta was coming in a post on social media platform X. The software installation file (known as an APK file) is now available to download in the official Nothing Community online forums. The process for installing the update is very similar to how it worked when this software was released for the Nothing Phone (2). It involves downloading the APK file which will then enable an “Update to Beta” option in the Settings app on your phone. After that, it is pretty easy to complete the installation.
Nothing has released a sneak preview version of new software for the Nothing Phone (1), its older smartphone model. This software, called Nothing OS 2.5 Beta, includes new features from the latest Android 14 update and some extra additions from Nothing. Nothing told people about this software preview in a social media post, and made the installation file available on its community forums. To install it, you download that file onto your phone and it lets you access the “Update to Beta” choice in Settings. So it is a straightforward process to try out the new software features on the Nothing Phone (1).
Before we get into how to update your Nothing Phone (1) to the new Nothing OS 2.5 software, here is an overview of all the new features you will get. This update brings most of the same capabilities that were recently added in the Nothing OS 2.5 stable software release for the Nothing Phone (2).
New Features in Nothing OS 2.5 Open Beta 1 for the Nothing Phone (1)
- Redesigned customization page with new options for customizing your Home and Lock screens
- New solid color and single color theme choices
- New effects on top of your wallpaper for the Home screen – Atmosphere and Glass effects
- Double tap the power button for quick gestures
- More shortcuts available on the Lock Screen, like Do Not Disturb, Mute, and QR code scanner
- Three finger swipe to take a screenshot
- New Screenshot editor and menu with more editing tools
- New widgets for Pedometer, Music Player, and Screen Time
- Improved animations for the Glyph interface light and new animation when using NFC
- Enhancements to the Flip to Glyph feature
- Separate volume controls for Ringtones and Notifications
- Improvements to the Camera and overall system stability
The software update brings many of the same changes that the Nothing Phone 2 just got in its latest update. These include new ways to customize the look and lock screen, gestures and shortcuts, screenshot tools, new widgets, improvements to features like the Glyph light, better volume controls, and camera and performance upgrades.
Proceed with Caution: Beta Software Can Be Risky
Before installing this open beta of Nothing OS 2.5, please be aware that as with any beta software there is a risk of bugs, crashes, or potential data loss. We strongly recommend backing up all critical data before updating. Consider waiting for the stable release if you want to avoid risks.
Installing the Nothing OS 2.5 Open Beta on Your Phone (1) – A Step-By-Step Guide
1. Downloading the Beta Software
The first step is to download the Nothing OS 2.5 beta software package specifically intended for the Nothing Phone (1). The download is available via the APK package linked in the main instructions.
2. Initiating the Update Process
Once you have the APK installer downloaded to your Phone (1), open your Settings app and go to the System > System Update page. Tap the button to switch your device over to the Beta update channel.
3. Checking for and Downloading New Versions
After enabling the beta updates, return to the System Update page, tap “Check for a new version” and the Nothing OS 2.5 beta should appear. Tap to download and install the update.
4. Installation Time and Battery Requirements
The update package can be large so download/install times will vary based on your internet speed. Make sure your Phone (1) battery is charged above 50% before starting to avoid the update failing or your device powering down.
5. Share Your Beta Experience!
Once you have Nothing OS 2.5 Beta 1 up and running, let us know your experience in the comments! We’d love to hear any initial feedback – both good and bad!