Nothing has confirmed that its next software update will focus on refinements, while Nothing OS 6.0 is planned for 2027
Nothing has begun looking beyond its upcoming Nothing OS 5.0 update, revealing some early details about what users can expect from future versions of its Android-based software.
The company recently launched the open beta for Android 17-based Nothing OS 5.0, with the stable release expected around the middle of October. However, in a recent forum post discussing its software development approach, Nothing has already confirmed that work is underway on Nothing OS 5.1 and the next major generation of its software.
Essential Key Remapping Coming
The biggest update revealed so far is that Nothing OS 5.1 will introduce an official option to remap the Essential Key on supported Nothing smartphones.
Nothing’s Essential Key is currently designed primarily to provide quick access to Essential Space, the company’s app for capturing and organising content. While some users have discovered unofficial methods to assign different functions to the button, including launching the camera or toggling the flashlight, an official remapping option has been a frequently requested feature.
Nothing OS 5.1 is not expected to be a major feature-packed update. Instead, the company appears to be positioning the release as a smaller update focused on useful refinements and user-requested improvements.
Nothing OS 6.0 Planned for 2027
Nothing has also confirmed that its software team has begun considering Nothing OS 6.0, which is scheduled for release in 2027.
The company plans to gather feedback from users both online and through in-person interactions before determining the direction of the next major software release. Nothing has not yet revealed specific features or design changes planned for Nothing OS 6.0.
For now, Nothing Phone (3) users can test the Android 17-based Nothing OS 5.0 beta, with the stable version expected in the coming weeks. However, the Nothing Phone (1) and Nothing Phone (2) are not eligible for Nothing OS 5.0. As a result, those devices are also unlikely to receive Nothing OS 5.1 or Nothing OS 6.0.