If you own the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, then you might want to check out Nothing's Open Beta program, which gives users a taste of the upcoming Nothing OS 3. The latest beta software upgrade brings new features based on the Android 15 platform update, and has likewise arrived for other Nothing devices, as well as the CMF Phone.
To get Nothing OS 3 Beta on your Nothing Phone 2a Plus, users will need to make sure that they're running Nothing OS 2.6 with build number PacmanPro-U2.6-240924-2223, or PacmanPro-U2.6-241125-2243. Users will then need to download and install a required APK file, and then go to Settings > System > Update to Beta version and tap "Check for new version" to initiate the update.
READ: Nothing's First-ever Smartphone Finally Gets Nothing OS 3
Nothing OS 3 comes with several new features including shared widgets, which can be displayed on the home screen and interacted with. The lock screen now comes with a new customisation page, upgraded clock faces, and expanded widget space. The Smart Drawer also automatically categorises apps into folders for better organisation, and users can pin their favourites to the top. Quick Settings has been redesigned for better usability as well.
Camera improvements include faster launch speed, reduced HDR processing time, smoother user interface, and an improved zoom slider. The pop-up view has been enhanced with a movable and resizable design, allowing for more efficient multitasking. Other improvements include AI-powered app prioritisation, auto-archive for storage management, partial screen sharing, an updated setup wizard, predictive back animations, and new fingerprint and charging animations.