Nothing OS 5.0 launches today on Android 17, introducing a redesigned interface with transparent widgets, wallpaper-adaptive icon colors, and the new Geist typeface. The update includes refreshed system icons, enhanced Gallery sorting, and new lock screen clock faces like "Gooey" and "Micrographics," though the latter and the new home screen theme arrive in October. The Glyph Interface moves to a dedicated app with new Timer and Away Time widgets.

Essential AI tools see upgrades: faster Essential Voice, improved real-time transcriptions, and Ear (3) Super Mic recording. A standout feature lets users create Essential Apps on-device using plain language prompts. Android 17 brings split notifications and Quick Settings panels, cross-platform Quick Share via QR code, new privacy indicators, expanded dark theme support, and a redesigned Recents menu.

The Open Beta begins for the Phone (3) with a stable release expected in mid-October; other devices will join the beta later.