Since its introduction, Nothing OS has undergone a remarkable transformation from Android 12 to Android 15. Recently, the brand launched Nothing OS 3.1, based on Android 15, featuring the Phone (3a) series. Anticipation is building for an Android 16-powered Nothing OS. With Google now advancing towards Android 16, and competitors like OnePlus already testing the Android 16 Beta, it’s likely that Nothing will soon follow suit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Nothing devices expected to receive the Android 16 update.
Nothing Phones Compatible with Android 16
As of now, Nothing has not disclosed its roadmap for the Android 16 updates for eligible devices. Interestingly, this year, the company isn’t listed among the Android 16 Beta partners released by Google. Does this suggest that the rollout for Nothing phones may face delays? Unlikely, as Nothing has previously demonstrated the ability to deliver timely major updates that outpace many larger smartphone manufacturers.
Excitingly, the upcoming flagship device, the Phone (3), is scheduled for release in Q3 (around July). Given that Android 16 is expected to reach stable release by May, there’s a strong possibility that the Phone (3) will debut with Android 16 pre-installed. We can also anticipate the Android 16 update for other Nothing devices around the same period. However, it’s essential to remain cautious as updates may be postponed due to any potential bugs.
Eligible Nothing Phones for Android 16 Update
All models released since the Nothing Phone (2) are set to receive the Android 16 update. Unfortunately, the Nothing Phone (1) will not be eligible, as it has exceeded the three-year update limit. The device originally launched with Android 12, with its final update being Android 15. Here are the Nothing phones that will qualify for the Android 16 update:
- Nothing Phone (2)
- Nothing Phone (2a)
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus / Community Edition
- Nothing Phone (3a)
- Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
CMF Phones Eligible for Android 16 Update
The CMF Phone 1 was released with Android 14 and has been updated to Android 15. As Nothing commits to providing two major updates for its CMF devices, the CMF Phone 1 is eligible for the Android 16 update. Moreover, the anticipated CMF Phone 2 Pro is expected to ship with Android 15 but will be upgradable to Android 16 shortly after launch.
- CMF Phone 1
- CMF Phone 2 Pro (Coming Soon)
In summary, those are the Nothing devices slated for the Android 16 update. While it remains uncertain if Nothing OS will experience a significant upgrade from version 3.0 to 4.0, it’s too early to speculate about the features that Android 16 may introduce to Nothing OS. We will await official announcements from Nothing regarding the Android 16 Beta.
It will certainly be interesting to see what innovations Nothing brings to the table or if the new Nothing OS will simply reflect an incremental version increase. This mirrors rumors surrounding Android 16-based One UI 8 for eligible Samsung devices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nothing OS and Android 16
When will Android 16 be available for Nothing devices?
Android 16 is expected to be officially released in May, with eligible Nothing devices potentially receiving the update around the same time, especially if the new Phone (3) launches alongside it.
Which Nothing phones will receive the Android 16 update?
The Nothing models eligible for the Android 16 update include the Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, Phone (3a), and Phone (3a) Pro.
What features will Android 16 bring to Nothing OS?
While specific features are yet to be confirmed, Android 16 is anticipated to introduce numerous enhancements and optimizations. Stay tuned for updates from Nothing for a clearer picture of the new functionalities.
How long will Nothing support its devices post-release?
Nothing generally provides three years of software updates for its devices, ensuring users receive timely updates and security patches throughout this period.
What are your hopes for the upcoming Android 16-based Nothing OS? Is your device on the list for the update? Share your thoughts in the comments below!