Nothing Phone 1 Android 16 update has officially been ruled out by the company. The phone will not be updated beyond Android 15, although it will continue to receive security patches going forward.
The Nothing Phone (1), which launched in 2022 with Android 12 and promised three major OS upgrades, will officially not be receiving the Android 16 update. This announcement was made by the company in a brief statement:
“Nothing Phone (1) will not support Android 16, but it will still receive security updates.”
End of Major Updates, Security Patches to Continue
Nothing has clarified that although the Phone (1) is no longer eligible for major Android version upgrades, it will continue receiving essential security patches to keep the device protected. The phone is currently running Android 15, fulfilling the company’s original promise of three major updates — Android 12 → 13 → 14 → 15.
This decision aligns with Nothing’s update policy and the typical Android update lifespan for mid-range phones. While disappointing to some, it’s not entirely unexpected considering the company’s past communication.
Time to Move On?
If you are someone who prioritizes long-term software support and future Android upgrades, this might be the time to consider newer models. Luckily, Nothing has plans to unveil its next-generation flagship, the Nothing Phone (3), very soon.
According to recent reports, the Nothing Phone (3) is expected to launch in July and will be the brand’s first true flagship device, potentially priced around £800 (~₹84,000). The upcoming model is expected to bring significant upgrades in performance, software, and camera capabilities.
Conclusion
The Nothing Phone (1) has had a good software journey, ending with Android 15. While the lack of Android 16 may disappoint some users, the company is still honoring its commitment by pushing out security updates. For those looking ahead, the launch of Nothing Phone (3) might be the right time to upgrade.
