Nothing has just introduced Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17 and bringing a range of updates across the interface, personalization, performance, privacy, and AI.
For starters, Notifications and Quick Settings are now separated, with users swiping from the left or right respectively, while Quick Share adds cross-platform file sharing between iPhone and Android devices via QR codes without requiring additional apps. Privacy improvements provide clearer indicators for camera, microphone, and location access, alongside enhanced screen recording and location permission controls.
The update also brings a redesigned home screen with transparent elements, adaptive colors based on wallpapers, refreshed system icons, animations and the new Geist typeface. Users can customize two new lock-screen clock faces, move multiple apps and widgets at once, and access new Collector and Away Time widgets.
Performance improvements include faster touch response, better background app retention, smarter resource management and refined animations across the system. Bluetooth controls in Quick Settings have also been simplified, while the camera now keeps detected QR codes visible for easier scanning.
On the AI front, Essential Voice delivers faster, better-formatted transcriptions with real-time text and support for audio captured through the Ear (3) case. Essential Space gains Smart Collections and Model Context Protocol (MCP) support, allowing selected data to be accessed by compatible AI tools. Meanwhile, Essential Apps Builder lets users create and deploy AI-powered apps directly from their phone using natural-language instructions, without coding.
That said, the Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta is now available for the Phone (3), with support for more eligible devices coming soon.
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