Let’s not sugarcoat it. The original Nothing Phone (1) is done. At least when it comes to major Android updates. It won’t be getting Android 16. That might sting for some users — especially the early adopters who backed Nothing when it was still seen as a bold newcomer rather than an established brand. But here’s the thing: Nothing never promised forever. And, depending on how you look at it, they’ve technically kept their word.
No Android 16 for the Nothing Phone 1
Launched in 2022 with Android 12, the Phone (1) was promised three major OS upgrades. That journey ends with Android 15, which was rolled out earlier this year. Quietly, cleanly — no drama. If you’ve been keeping up with the update roadmap, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But now that Google’s getting ready to drop Android 16 — expected in June, barring delays — it’s official: the first-gen Nothing device won’t be going any further. No beta access, no sneak peek, not even a placeholder on the test list. It’s out. Is it disappointing? Maybe. But it’s also exactly what they said would happen.
A Brand That’s Still Doing Updates Right (Mostly)
It’s worth pointing out that Nothing has, overall, done a solid job on updates — arguably better than brands with way more resources. Android 15 hit Nothing phones early. Stable builds rolled out on time. Even the smaller, often-overlooked Nothing Phone (2a) hasn’t been left behind. That’s more than can be said for some bigger OEMs coughTecnocoughInfinix.
You could say, “Well, of course. They only have a few devices to manage.” And sure — that’s true. But it doesn’t automatically mean updates get handled well. Plenty of leaner companies have dropped the ball, repeatedly.
Nothing didn’t. That makes the lack of Android 16 support for the Phone (1) feel less like abandonment and more like an expiration date finally arriving — a scheduled stop, not a crash landing.
Should You Upgrade?
Maybe. Maybe not just yet. If you’re still using the Phone (1), chances are it’s still running fine. Nothing’s lightweight OS isn’t particularly demanding, and security patches are still coming (for now). But yes, if you’re itching to try Android 16 when it drops — with all the new AI integrations and deeper app permissions — you’ll need new hardware.
Still, I wouldn’t rush. Nothing might have something new around the corner. Or maybe — and this is purely speculative — they decide to throw a curveball and gift Phone (1) users a surprise update. It’s unlikely, but companies have gone back on their word before. Sometimes for goodwill. Sometimes for headlines.
But as it stands? No Android 16 for the original. And honestly, that’s okay.
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