Nothing Officially Ends Phone (1) Software Updates

Nothing has officially ended software support for its original Phone (1), which marked a significant milestone for the device that put the British startup on the map back in 2022.

The company sent off its first phone with a dedicated farewell update, a rare move in an industry where devices often just stop receiving patches with no formal notice. If you’re still using a Phone (1), the software it’s running now will be the last it ever gets.

What Was the Nothing Phone (1)?

Launched in July 2022, the Phone (1) was Nothing’s first attempt at breaking into the smartphone market. Founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, the London-based company built its identity around a transparent back panel and a grid of LED strips known as the Glyph Interface. This system of programmable lights on the back of the phone could flash for notifications, serve as a fill light for photos, or show charging status. It stood out in a market filled with identical glass slabs.

The phone featured a Snapdragon 778G+ chip and originally ran on Android 12. During its supported life, it received updates all the way to Android 14, giving it two major Android version upgrades. That’s a decent run for a mid-range device, even if it doesn’t quite match the three to four years of updates that Samsung and Google promise for their flagship phones.

How Nothing Said Goodbye

Instead of quietly halting updates, Nothing released a final software build as a proper send-off. The company recognized the Phone (1)’s significance in its history, stating that without it, there wouldn’t be a Phone (2), Phone (2a), or the brand recognition Nothing has developed since.

This might seem small, but it’s important. Most phone manufacturers let devices fade into obscurity without a word. Users often wake up one day to find the update tab empty for months. By choosing to formally close the loop, Nothing highlighted how much the Phone (1) contributed to its brand identity.

By The Numbers

What This Means for Phone (1) Owners

Here’s the bottom line: your Phone (1) is still functional. Apps will continue to work, calls will connect, and the Glyph lights will keep flashing. What changes today is the lack of protection against newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Think of it like a house with outdated locks. The doors still open and close, but a burglar who knows how to pick that lock won’t be deterred by a new patch.

For most users engaged in everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and texting, the immediate risk is low. However, security researchers often discover exploits in older Android versions. Without patches, those vulnerabilities remain. If you use your phone for banking or sensitive information, consider upgrading in the next year or so.

The good news? Nothing’s newer phones, including the Phone (2a) series, stick to a similar design philosophy at accessible prices. So, you won’t need to make a huge leap to stay in the Nothing ecosystem.

The Bigger Picture: Android Update Timelines Are Getting Better

The Phone (1)’s three-year support used to be seen as pretty good. That standard has changed. Google now offers seven years of updates for Pixel phones, while Samsung matches that on its Galaxy S and Z series. Even mid-range phones from both brands get four to five years of coverage.

Nothing has stepped up its commitments with newer devices, but the Phone (1) launched under earlier, less aggressive promises. This serves as a reminder that when you buy a phone, the update policy at launch acts as a contract for how long that device stays secure and up-to-date.

Community Reaction

“Honestly respect Nothing for actually acknowledging it. My old OnePlus just stopped getting updates one day, and I only noticed because I checked manually. At least they said goodbye.”

u/greycoast_dev on Reddit

“Still running my Phone (1) daily. Two years felt short, but the Glyph stuff still slaps. Probably time to upgrade now though.”

YouTube comment on 9to5Google’s coverage

What To Watch

• Nothing’s next moves: The company is steadily expanding its lineup. Keep an eye out for announcements about a potential Phone (3) series, which will likely include improved update commitments to stay competitive with Samsung and Google.
• Android security patches: Google publishes monthly security bulletins. Phone (1) owners can check if any newly disclosed vulnerabilities affect their device’s Android 14 build and assess their personal risk level accordingly.
• Third-party ROM support: The Nothing Phone (1) has an active developer community. Custom Android builds (unofficial software versions maintained by independent developers) like LineageOS may extend the phone’s usable life beyond official support. Check XDA Developers for the latest on community support options.

Sources: 9to5Google: Nothing officially ends Phone (1) software updates