Nothing Phone (3a) & (3a) Pro to receive Nothing OS 3.1 update: New features, rollout details and more

Hot on the wheels of the Nothing Phone (3a) and Nothing Phone (3a) Pro launch in the Indian and global markets, the quirky company has already started rolling out its first firmware update. We checked out these new phones at MWC 2025; you can check out our first impressions here.

Nothing OS 3.1 will come to these new phones with improvements to Essential Space, camera enhancements, system optimisations and new features. So, if you have recently picked up a Nothing 3a series smartphone, or have been eyeing one, read on to know everything you will get with the OS 3.1 update.

When will Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro get the Nothing OS 3.1 update?

Nothing has announced the rollout of Nothing OS 3.1 for Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro users. The update is being released in phases, so while the rollout is already underway, it may take some time to reach all devices. If you haven’t received it yet, keep checking for updates – it should arrive soon.

Beyond the Phone (3a) series, Nothing has confirmed that Phone (1), Phone (2), Phone (2a), and CMF Phone users will also receive Nothing OS 3.1 later this year. However, for now, the update is only available for Nothing Phone (3a) users.

How to update to Nothing OS 3.1

If you have a Nothing Phone (3a) or Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, you are eligible for the new Nothing OS 3.1 update. Simply head over to your devices ‘Settings’ menu. Next, go to System > Software Update. Hit the button to update your phone to the latest software.

Nothing OS 3.1: Essential Space features and improvements

Both the Nothing Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro house a new button dubbed the Essential Key. While many weren’t impressed by the button’s initial use case, Nothing has refined it further with Nothing OS 3.1.

Nothing OS 3.1 comes with Essential Space – an AI-powered hub that can capture, process, and recall your notes, ideas, and more. It aims to be a simple yet effective way to document your ideas on the go.

With the OS 3.1 update, a single press of the Essential Key sends content to the Essential Space for easy access anytime you need it. A long press will initiate a voice recording and a double tap will open the Essential Space where you can access all your saved content in one easy-to-access area.

The update also brings new Essential Space widgets that allow users to quickly check out Essential Space content on the home or lock screen. The homepage has also been redesigned in a user-friendly manner. There’s also a new ‘Upcoming’ section for task management.

ALSO READ: MWC 2025: Nothing Phone (3a) series with Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, AI features unveiled

Essential Space is currently in early access, and Nothing has committed that it will continue adding features and providing updates.

Nothing OS 3.1: Other features and improvements

Nothing OS 3.1 brings new camera presets that optimise camera settings in accordance with the scene being shot. Users can even share or import camera presets. The software even supports cube files, which is excellent for creative individuals.

The new update also optimises photo quality, makes tweaks and improvements to the macro mode and improves background blur in portrait photos. The camera app has been further optimised for improved stability.

As for the Nothing Gallery, it can now recognise faces and scenes thanks to the power of AI. This will help users who have large photo/video galleries quickly search for what they are looking for.

ALSO READ: Nothing Phone (3a) vs Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: What’s different

Additionally, Nothing OS 3.1 brings a new power-off password verification feature for added security. It also comes with improved animations, transitions and RAM management, which should make day-to-day operation smoother. The update also implements several bug fixes and battery optimisations.

For more updates on software and smartphones, stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma.