Two More Nothing Phones Receive Nothing OS 5.0 Beta Based on Android 17

Nothing is expanding its latest software update to more smartphones, giving additional users an opportunity to try Android 17 before the stable release arrives. The company’s Nothing OS 5.0 open beta is now reaching the Nothing Phone (2a) and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, bringing the two devices into the next phase of its software rollout.

The update follows the beta programme’s expansion to several newer Nothing smartphones in recent weeks. With the Phone (2a) series now joining the programme, users can test the latest interface changes, customization options and Android features ahead of the public release.

However, it is important to remember that this is beta software. Users may encounter bugs, performance issues or features that are not yet fully implemented, so installing it requires some consideration, particularly if the phone is used as a primary device.

Nothing OS 5.0 Beta Arrives on Two More Phones

The Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus are the latest devices to join the Nothing OS 5.0 open beta programme. The software is based on Android 17, Google’s next major Android release.

Nothing has been gradually expanding beta access across its eligible smartphone lineup rather than releasing the update to every device simultaneously. The Phone (3) received access first, followed by several models from the Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) series.

The addition of the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus extends testing to another generation of devices. It also gives existing users a chance to experience the company’s latest software improvements before the final release.

According to Nothing’s rollout schedule, the stable version for both Phone (2a) models is planned for mid-November 2026. The timeline remains indicative, and actual availability may vary depending on region and other rollout considerations.

What Is New in Nothing OS 5.0?

Nothing OS 5.0 introduces a collection of visual and functional changes designed to make the software more customizable and convenient.

The update builds on Android 17 while adding Nothing’s own interface adjustments. These include changes to the Settings and Camera interfaces, refreshed status bar icons, updated animations and additional options for personalizing the home screen.

The company is also introducing more flexibility for users who want to organize their phones around their own preferences. Customization options can make frequently used functions easier to access while allowing users to adjust the appearance of their devices.

Some features are still being developed or are scheduled to arrive separately from the open beta. The refreshed home screen and Micrographics lock-screen clock, for example, are planned for the general release rather than the initial beta experience.

As a result, the beta may not contain every feature expected in the final version of Nothing OS 5.0.

Improved Quick Settings and Notifications

One of the practical changes in Nothing OS 5.0 is the ability to separate notifications and Quick Settings into different panels.

This gives users a more flexible way to manage alerts and access common controls. Instead of placing both functions in the same combined interface, the updated design allows them to be accessed separately.

Quick Settings provides shortcuts for features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other system controls. The ability to organize and access these controls more conveniently could make everyday interactions feel more streamlined.

The update also brings additional customization options for the interface, allowing users to arrange supported controls according to their preferences.

These changes are particularly useful for people who frequently switch connectivity settings or receive large numbers of notifications throughout the day.

The exact interface experience may depend on the final software build, as Nothing continues refining the beta before the stable rollout.

More Home Screen and Personalization Options

Nothing OS 5.0 places additional emphasis on customization, giving users more ways to change the appearance of their smartphones.

The update includes refreshed interface elements, new visual treatments and additional options for personalizing the home screen. Users can also expect improvements to widgets and other elements of the Nothing software experience.

The company has been working on a refreshed home screen and a new Micrographics clock face for the lock screen. However, these features are not included in the initial open beta and are expected to arrive with the general release.

Nothing is also developing additional Essential Space capabilities, with some improvements being distributed separately through Google Play.

This staggered approach means that certain features may arrive independently of the main operating system update. Users should therefore not assume that every announced improvement will appear immediately after installing the beta.

Screen Recording, Dark Theme and Other Improvements

Nothing OS 5.0 also includes several Android 17-related improvements that extend beyond the visual redesign.

The update brings improvements to screen recording, an expanded dark theme and changes to how certain audio controls work. It also introduces support for Noto 3D emoji and improvements to the presentation of HDR content.

Enhanced screen recording could be useful for users who capture tutorials, gameplay or demonstrations directly from their smartphones. An expanded dark theme offers more consistent styling across supported parts of the interface.

The update also includes a redesigned Recents screen, which changes how users view and switch between recently opened applications.

These features form part of the broader Android 17 experience, although their exact availability can vary between devices and software builds.

Some Nothing-specific features may also be introduced gradually, so the final stable release could differ from the beta version currently available to testers.

How to Install Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta

Eligible Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus owners can join the open beta through Nothing’s official beta programme.

The general process involves downloading the appropriate Nothing Beta Hub application package, installing it and registering for the beta through the phone’s system settings. Once registration is complete, the update should become available as an over-the-air installation.

However, users should follow the device-specific instructions provided by Nothing and ensure that the beta package matches their phone and current software version.

Back up your important data before installing the beta. Nothing warns that beta software can affect data and may require a factory reset in some circumstances. Users who cannot risk unexpected problems may prefer to wait for the stable release.

It is also sensible to install the update over a reliable Wi-Fi connection and ensure that the phone has sufficient battery charge and free storage.

When Will the Stable Nothing OS 5.0 Update Arrive?

Nothing’s current schedule places the stable Nothing OS 5.0 release for the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus in mid-November 2026.

The Phone (3) is scheduled to receive the stable update earlier, while several models from the Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) families are planned for early November.

Other eligible devices will follow later. The Phone (3a) Lite is scheduled for late December, while the Phone (4b) and CMF Phone 2 Pro are planned for January 2027.

These dates are estimates rather than guarantees. Nothing says rollout timing can change, and regional or carrier-related factors may affect when an update reaches individual devices.

The company has also confirmed that the Phone (1), Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1 have reached the end of major software support and will not receive Nothing OS 5.0.

What This Means for Nothing Phone (2a) Users

The arrival of Nothing OS 5.0 beta gives Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus owners an early opportunity to explore Android 17 and the latest Nothing interface improvements.

The update introduces more customization options, a redesigned Quick Settings experience, changes to screen recording and several visual refinements. Additional features are expected to arrive as development continues and the stable version becomes available.

Still, the beta is primarily intended for testing rather than users who need a completely reliable daily experience. Bugs and incomplete features are possible, and installing the software may involve risks to personal data.

For users who enjoy trying new software, the beta offers an early look at what is coming. Those who prefer stability can wait for the planned November release.

With two more smartphones joining the programme, Nothing OS 5.0 is moving closer to a wider rollout across the company’s eligible devices.