Nothing OS 3.0 is the company’s version of Android 15, and it has already been rolled out for Nothing Phone 2 and Phone 2a. Now, the British consumer electronics brand has extended the stable Nothing OS 3.0 update to the Nothing Phone 2a Plus.
This marks the first major OS upgrade for the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, with a V3.0-241226-1537 build number. It’s a significant update, requiring 1.8GB of data for download, so it’s recommended to use Wi-Fi. Nothing OS 3.0 brings a host of improvements, including a more readable font, a simplified settings interface, redesigned notifications, new lock screen customization options, AI-powered app drawer, enhanced widgets, camera upgrades, and much more.

Key Features of Nothing OS 3.0:
Shared Widgets:
- Connect with friends and family by sharing widgets on your home screen. You can view and interact with another person’s widgets through reactions.
- Currently, Shared Widgets are limited to Nothing devices and support only square photo widgets, with more widget types to come in future updates.
Lock Screen:
- A new lock screen customization page lets you long-press the lock screen or access it via the Customization page.
- You can now select from a variety of clock face styles and expand widget space to add more widgets to your lock screen.
New App Drawer Style:
- The AI-powered Smart Drawer automatically organizes apps into categories, making them easy to find.
- Pin your favorite apps to the top of the app drawer for quicker access.
Enhanced Pop-Up View:
- The pop-up view can be dragged to any position on the screen and resized by dragging the bottom corners.
- You can pin the pop-up view to the screen edge for quick access or swipe down incoming notifications to quickly enter the pop-up view for multitasking.
Elevated Design:
- Redesigned Quick Settings with an optimized editing experience to personalize your shortcuts.
- Redesigned widget library, where you can browse both Nothing widgets and third-party widgets.
- Enhanced Settings with updated visuals, now showing the current network and Bluetooth connection.
Other Improvements:
- AI now learns your usage habits to keep frequently used apps active for longer, offering a smoother experience.
- Improved lock screen charging status display helps you monitor charging speed.
- Auto-archive function automatically frees up storage space without removing apps or data.
- Partial screen sharing lets you record just a specific app window instead of the entire screen.
- Updated setup wizard for a smoother introduction to the OS, along with predictive back animations for supported apps.
- December security patch has been included for enhanced device protection.
If you own a Nothing Phone 2a Plus, you may have already received the stable Nothing OS 3.0 update. If not, you can check for the update manually in Settings. Remember to back up your important data before installing the update.
Shared Widgets – A New Way to Connect
One of the standout features of Nothing OS 3.0 is the Shared Widgets functionality. This new feature allows you to link up with friends and family through widgets on your home screen. You can now see another person’s widgets and interact with them through reactions, fostering a new form of connectivity.
Currently, Shared Widgets are exclusive to Nothing devices, and the only widget type that can be shared is the Photo Widget (square). However, the company is working hard to expand this feature to include more widget types in future updates.
Since Shared Widgets are still in beta, users may experience some bugs or glitches. Nonetheless, Nothing is actively working on refining the experience, so we can expect improvements in future releases.
Lock Screen Customization – New Ways to Personalize Your Device
Nothing OS 3.0 brings a redesigned lock screen customization experience. Users can access the new customization page by long-pressing the lock screen or navigating to the Customization page in settings.
Key updates to the lock screen include:
- New Clock Face Styles: The update offers a variety of clock styles for more personalized customization.
- Expanded Widget Space: The lock screen now supports more widgets, giving users the freedom to display more information at a glance.
This increased flexibility in lock screen customization allows users to tailor their devices to their exact preferences, further enhancing the user experience.
AI-Powered App Drawer – Smart Organization
The AI-powered Smart Drawer in Nothing OS 3.0 automatically categorizes your apps into folders, keeping your app drawer organized and making apps easier to find. No more endless scrolling to locate your favorite apps!
In addition to automatic organization, the update also allows you to pin your favorite apps to the top of the app drawer. This feature makes it even easier to access your most-used apps without any hassle.
Enhanced Pop-Up View – Multitasking Made Easier
The Pop-Up View feature, which debuted in earlier versions of Nothing OS, has received significant improvements in the 3.0 update. With the enhanced pop-up view, users can now:
- Drag the pop-up view to any position on the screen, providing greater flexibility while multitasking.
- Resize the pop-up view by dragging the bottom corners, allowing users to adjust the window size according to their needs.
- Pin the pop-up view to the edge of the screen, for quick and easy access.
Additionally, users can now swipe down incoming notifications to enter the pop-up view, enabling them to quickly check important information without leaving their current app.
This updated pop-up view feature is part of Nothing’s ongoing effort to make multitasking on its devices more intuitive and seamless.
Redesigned Quick Settings and Enhanced UI
Nothing OS 3.0 also brings a fresh look to the Quick Settings and Settings UI. The Quick Settings panel has been redesigned for better accessibility and easier navigation. Users can now customize their shortcuts more effortlessly, making the interface more intuitive.
The Settings UI has also been updated, featuring updated visuals for a cleaner, more organized look. Important options like Network & Internet and Bluetooth now display current connection information, making it easier to stay on top of your device’s connectivity status.
Moreover, Nothing has introduced a new Dot Animation for fingerprint unlocking and charging, further adding to the aesthetic appeal of the device.
Improved Performance and AI Enhancements
One of the key goals of Nothing OS 3.0 is to enhance performance, and the update delivers on that front as well. The operating system now uses AI to learn your usage habits, ensuring that frequently used apps are kept active for longer, resulting in smoother and more efficient device performance.
Additionally, the Auto-archive function automatically frees up storage space without removing apps or data, ensuring that your device remains responsive and clutter-free.
Other Notable Enhancements
- Partial Screen Sharing: This feature allows users to record just an app window instead of the entire screen, offering more control over screen recording.
- Updated Setup Wizard: The new setup wizard (version 3.0) ensures a smoother and more user-friendly setup process for new and existing users.
- Predictive Back Animations: Nothing OS 3.0 now includes predictive back animations for apps that support this feature, making navigation more fluid and intuitive.
- Security Patch: The December security patch has been included, ensuring your device stays protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
How to Install the Nothing OS 3.0 Update
The stable Nothing OS 3.0 update is rolling out to the Nothing Phone 2a Plus in phases. If you haven’t received the update yet, it should arrive soon. However, you can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings > Software Update.
Given the size of the update (around 1.8GB), it’s advisable to use a Wi-Fi connection to download it and avoid data charges. Before installing the update, ensure that your device is backed up to prevent any potential data loss during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new features are included in the Nothing OS 3.0 update for the Nothing Phone 2a Plus?
The Nothing OS 3.0 update brings several exciting new features, including a redesigned lock screen with new customization options, AI-powered app drawer for smart organization, improved multitasking with an enhanced pop-up view, and Shared Widgets for connecting with others. It also includes performance optimizations, new UI elements, and security enhancements like the December security patch.
How big is the Nothing OS 3.0 update for the Nothing Phone 2a Plus?
The Nothing OS 3.0 update for the Nothing Phone 2a Plus is around 1.8GB in size. Due to the large file size, it’s recommended to download the update using a stable Wi-Fi connection to avoid any data charges.
When will I receive the Nothing OS 3.0 update on my Nothing Phone 2a Plus?
The update is rolling out in phases, so it may take a few days for it to reach all devices. You can manually check for updates by going to Settings > Software Update. If you haven’t received the update yet, it should arrive soon.
How can I manually check for the Nothing OS 3.0 update on my Nothing Phone 2a Plus?
To manually check for the Nothing OS 3.0 update, go to Settings > Software Update. If the update is available for your device, you’ll be able to download and install it from there.
What should I do before installing the Nothing OS 3.0 update?
Before installing the update, it is highly recommended to back up your important data to prevent any potential data loss during the installation process. Also, ensure that your device has enough battery or is plugged in during the update to avoid interruptions.
conclusion
The Nothing OS 3.0 stable update for the Nothing Phone 2a Plus brings a host of exciting new features, design improvements, and performance enhancements. With a revamped user interface, smarter app organization through the AI-powered app drawer, improved multitasking, and more customization options for the lock screen, this update elevates the overall user experience. Along with these new features, the update also includes important security patches and optimizations, ensuring your device runs smoothly and securely. As the update continues to roll out, users can look forward to a more refined and personalized experience on their Nothing Phone 2a Plus.