Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Nothing OS 5.0 Brings Android 17, AI, and Personalisation
Nothing is making a new phone software update called Nothing OS 5.0.
It is based on Android 17 and changes how the phone looks and works.
The home screen, widgets, search bar, and gallery can use transparent designs and colours from the wallpaper.
The update also adds a new font, refreshed icons, and smoother animations.
A new Glyph app puts the phone’s special lights, sounds, ringtones, and schedules in one place.
A Glyph Timer uses the rear lights to show how much time is left.
The software is designed to respond faster and keep background apps working more reliably.
New AI tools can transcribe speech, organise information, and help create simple apps without coding.
The first test version is scheduled for the Nothing Phone (3) on August 26.
Nothing OS 5.0 refreshes the interface with transparent elements, adaptive wallpaper colours, updated icons, new animations, and the Geist typeface.
A dedicated Glyph app centralises lighting effects, sounds, ringtones, and schedules, while the Glyph Timer displays countdowns through the phone’s rear lights.
Performance improvements target touch response, background app retention, and resource management.
New AI features include faster Essential Voice transcription, Smart Collections in Essential Space, and no-code tools for creating simple AI-powered apps.
The Open Beta is scheduled for August 26 at 3:30 PM IST, with Nothing Phone (3) receiving access first and other eligible devices following later.
- Who
- Nothing and users of compatible Nothing smartphones, beginning with Nothing Phone (3) owners.
- What
- Nothing is introducing Nothing OS 5.0, an Android 17-based update with a redesigned interface, Glyph controls, performance improvements, and new AI features.
- When
- The Open Beta is scheduled to begin August 26 at 3:30 PM IST; the second article describes the beta programme as having launched on Wednesday without specifying a date.
- Where
- Through Nothing’s Open Beta programme; Nothing is described as a London-based company.
- Why
- To make the smartphone experience more personal, adaptable, and customisable while adding design, performance, AI, and Android 17 improvements.
- Software
- Nothing OS 5.0
- Underlying platform
- Android 17
- Beta timing
- August 26 at 3:30 PM IST
- First supported device
- Nothing Phone (3)
- Interface changes
- Transparent elements, adaptive wallpaper colours, redesigned icons and animations, revised text sizes, and the Geist typeface
- Glyph tools
- A dedicated Glyph app and Glyph Timer widget
- AI upgrades
- Faster Essential Voice transcription, Smart Collections in Essential Space, and no-code tools for simple AI-powered apps
