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Nothing got a lot of stick from the public for taking too long to update the Phone (1) to Android 13. It appears the company has learned its lesson, as it is early at work on Android 14. The latest Android version is now available in beta for the Phone (2), with the Nothing OS 2.5 on top. The first-gen model will also get it before the end of the year.
Nothing opens Android 14 beta for the Phone (2)
The first Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5 beta update is now available for the Nothing Phone (2). Interested users can install it to try out the new features and improvements and help the company refine the experience by providing relevant feedback. Joining the beta program involves a slightly intricate process, but it shouldn’t take long.
Before you start, don’t forget to create a backup of your important files and other data. While the update shouldn’t wipe out your data, you can never be sure with beta software. It may misbehave and force you into a factory reset. Moreover, Nothing says that rolling back your Phone (2) to Android 13 will result in a factory reset too, so creating a backup is a good idea.
If you’re ready, you can proceed with the following steps. Firstly, make sure that your Phone (2) is running Nothing OS version 2.0.3. Now sideload this APK on the phone (since it’s provided by Nothing, it should be safe). Once the APK is installed, open the Settings app on your phone and navigate to System > Update to Beta version. Here, tap on “Check for new version” and follow the on-screen instructions to install Nothing OS 2.5 Beta.
You can report bugs and other feedback to Nothing by heading to Settings > System > Feedback. You may also use the Nothing community. If you find Nothing OS 2.5 too stable to use on your daily driver, you can download the rollback package here. Once downloaded, navigate to Settings > System > Update to Beta version and tap on “Import file.” Select the file you just downloaded and follow the instructions.
This update brings plenty of changes
Nothing OS 2.5 is a major platform update and expectedly brings many changes to the Phone (2). Along with new Android 14 features, we have tweaks and add-ons from Nothing. The company has improved the widgets library interface and added a new photos widget. The screenshot editor menu offers more advanced editing features and quick deletions. You can capture screenshots with a three-finger swipe. The back gesture has been enhanced too.
Additionally, Nothing now lets you hide app icons from the app drawer and the home screen. You can customize the double-press of the power button to execute any function. Home Screen and Lock Screen also offer more customization options, including new wallpapers and filters for wallpapers. You can find the full changelog in this official announcement. Nothing has yet to reveal its plans for the stable Nothing OS 2.5 update.