Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, began rolling out to the Phone (3) on 12 October 2026. It brings a redesigned launcher, the Micrographics clock, the Geist typeface and new Essential AI features. Nothing’s India update schedule lists windows for other Nothing and CMF phones through January 2027. Phone (1), Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1 are not on the list for this major update.
If you own a Phone (3), check Settings > System > System update. The rollout is staggered, so two phones on the same model can get the package on different days.
What changes on the Phone (3)
Phone (3) is first in the rollout. The Android 17 update brings Nothing’s redesigned launcher, Micrographics clock and refreshed homescreen, features that were not included in the open beta.
On the homescreen, wallpaper colours drive tinted icons and transparent widgets. Collector and Away Time widgets join the mix, batch editing lets you move several icons at once, and Glyph Timer sits with the rest of the Glyph tools. Geist is the system typeface for the new look.
Essential Space adds Smart Collections to group related captures. Nothing says MCP support lets compatible AI tools access selected information from Essential Space. Essential Voice supports more than 100 languages. Essential Apps Builder remains in early beta behind a waitlist, so it may not be available to every Phone (3) owner yet.
Android 17 changes you will notice
Nothing OS 5.0 also includes Android 17 changes to notifications and privacy. Notifications and Quick Settings are separate again, Quick Share supports QR-code sharing with iPhone users, privacy indicators have changed, and Recents has a new design. These are Android 17 changes, not features exclusive to Nothing.
For more Android 17 changes beyond Nothing phones, see our new Android features you can try now.
Nothing OS 5.0 rollout schedule
The Phone (3) rollout began on 12 October. Nothing’s current schedule for the other models runs through January 2027:
| Window | Models |
|---|---|
| 12 October 2026 | Phone (3) |
| Early November 2026 | Phone (4a) Pro, Phone (4a), Phone (3a) Pro, Phone (3a) |
| Mid November 2026 | Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus |
| Late December 2026 | Phone (3a) Lite |
| Mid January 2027 | Phone (4b), CMF Phone 2 Pro |
Phone (1), Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1 are not getting a major Nothing OS 5.0 update on this list. If you are still on those older models, plan around security patches and feature drops rather than this Android 17 jump.
Most Phone (3a) and Phone (4a) models are scheduled for early November. Phone (4b) and CMF Phone 2 Pro follow in January. Our guide to the 6GB Phone (4a) and (4b) variants has more on those models.
How to install the update
On Phone (3), open Settings, go to System, then System update. Keep Wi-Fi on, charge past a comfortable level, and back up anything you cannot afford to lose before a major OS install. Because the release is staggered, an empty update screen on day one does not mean your phone is skipped. Check again over the next few days.
If an Essential Space feature is missing after the system update, check the Play Store for app updates too.
Before checking for the update
Nothing’s dates are rollout windows, not a promise that every phone gets the update on the same day. If yours is not ready yet, check again over the following days. If you are choosing a new phone, our Diwali 2026 phone shortlist compares current options.
FAQ
When does Nothing OS 5.0 reach Phone (3)?
The general release started rolling out from 12 October 2026. Availability is staggered, so check System update rather than expecting every Phone (3) on the same day.
Is Nothing OS 5.0 based on Android 17?
Yes. The GR build for Phone (3) is Android 17 with Nothing’s launcher, Micrographics, Geist, Essential AI and performance changes on top.
Will Phone (1) or Phone (2) get Nothing OS 5.0?
No. Nothing’s schedule for this major update does not include Phone (1), Phone (2) or CMF Phone 1.
What was missing from the open beta?
Micrographics and the refreshed homescreen were not in the open beta. They arrive with the general release.
