Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5 update announced for Nothing Phone (2): features, download guide

Nothing OS 2.5 features

Here’s what’s new on the Nothing OS 2.5 update:

• The widgets library UI has been improved for better visibility of the widgets.
• There is also a new Photos widget that acts as a slideshow for your photos on the home screen and lock screen. 
• You can quickly edit and delete photos thanks to a revamped screenshot editor and menu.
•  The back gesture indicator is dotted and in line with the Nothing design language.

• You can easily Hide app icons on the home screen and app drawer and also see them by swiping right in the app drawer. The latter was present in the previous build too. But for whatever reason, it is mentioned in the Nothing OS 2.5 changelog.
• A 3-finger swipe to take a screenshot is now available on Nothing OS. The screenshot preview comes with an in-built editing toolbox. 
• You can map the double tap on the power button to open any app or trigger any feature.
• There is an option to remove the app drawer and just have all the apps on the home screen instead. 
• Nothing OS 2.5 has a glass filter for wallpapers which makes any phone background appear like the signature Nothing wallpaper look. You can also set solid coloured wallpapers if that’s your thing.
• Android 14 features like a monochrome theme for the whole UI, a back gesture to interact with apps, overhauled quick settings UI (with a Nothing earbuds tile and a digital clock), more lock screen shortcuts, separate notification alert and ringtone volume, and an option to set region-based measurement units.

How to download Nothing OS 2.5 update

Ensure you have the Nothing OS version 2.0.3 on your Nothing Phone already to try this update. If you have then, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the “NOS beta tool” APK.

Step 2: Install it from the downloads folder on your phone. Grant the permission to install, if prompted.

Step 3: Next, go to Settings, then System, and finally scroll down until you see the option called Update to Beta version. Tap it.

Step 4: Tap “Check for new version” and in a few seconds, you will see the message, “New version available”. Tap on Download Package at the bottom. The update size would be around 2.8GB.

Once you have downloaded and installed it, the system may reboot. Finally, you have the Nothing OS based on the Android 14 update on your Nothing Phone 2. It will also have the October 5th, 2023 security update.