Nothing Phone Software Update Policies Vary by Model

The Nothing phone brand has attracted attention among Android buyers due to its unique transparent design and budget-friendly offerings. As a company selling smartphones, audio gear, and smartwatches under the brands Nothing and CMF, its smartphones are its most recognized products. Potential buyers often inquire about the company's software update policies.

Currently, Nothing lacks a standardized software update policy, which can be expected from a newer brand. Users should check the specific commitments for the model they are considering or already own. For instance, support for the original Nothing Phone (1) will cease with the July 2026 update. Launched with Android 12, it received three major updates, culminating in Android 15 in 2025. While this support isn't as extensive as that offered by major brands like Google or Samsung, which promise up to seven years of updates, it's still superior to Motorola's typical two-update cycle for budget models.

Different models have distinct software update promises. The Nothing Phone (3), the most premium model in the U.S. market, is set to receive seven years of software support, with five major Android OS updates and security patches for an additional two years. This represents a significant improvement over the Phone (1) and Phone (2), the latter of which is guaranteed three major updates and four years of security support.

For more affordable A-series models, the Nothing Phone (2a) shares the same update promise as the Phone (2), with three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches. The Phone (3a), Phone (4a), and Phone (4a) Pro will receive security patches for six years while offering three Android updates. Additionally, the latest models, the Nothing Phone (4b) and Phone (3a) Lite, will have the same support duration as the Phone (3a) and (4a).

In the CMF series, the CMF Phone (1) will receive only two major Android OS updates and three years of security patches, while the CMF Phone (2) Pro is promised three OS updates and six years of security support. Thus, for the longest software support period within the Nothing lineup, the Phone (3) stands out as the best option.