Nothing OS 5.0 beta brings Android 17 to Phone (4a) Pro: Two key features still missing

Android 17 arrives on the Phone (4a) Pro, but not all at once

Nothing has released the Nothing OS 5.0 beta for the Phone (4a) Pro, bringing Android 17 to users who sign up for the early access program. The update arrived about a week later than originally expected, but it is finally here.

Before you rush to install the beta, there is something important to know. According to Nothing, some of the biggest changes in this update will not be available until October 2026. The beta that is rolling out now is only a preview of what is coming, and it leaves out the two features that owners have been waiting for the most.

This is typical for a beta release. Companies often hold back major new capabilities until a more stable public launch. Still, it means that early adopters will need to be patient if they are hoping to see everything Nothing promised for OS 5.0.

Which phone gets the update first?

What this means for Nothing OS 5 0 beta brings

Right now, the Nothing OS 5.0 beta is only available for the Phone (4a) Pro. Nothing has not said when or if the standard Phone (4a) or older Nothing phones will get the beta. If you own a different Nothing device, you will have to wait for an official announcement.

The Phone (4a) Pro was launched earlier in 2026 as a mid-range model with a focus on design and clean software. This beta shows that Nothing is prioritizing its newest hardware first, which is standard practice for most phone makers.

If you are curious about how the Phone (4a) Pro compares to other options in its price range, you can use the phone comparison tool to see specifications side by side.

What is missing from this beta?

The two changes that owners want most are not included in the Nothing OS 5.0 beta. The reports do not name exactly which two features are missing, but they confirm that these are the upgrades that fans have been most excited about. Nothing has stated that the biggest changes will remain under wraps until October.

This leaves a few possibilities. The missing features could be new camera tools, redesigned widgets, improved gesture controls, or deeper customization options. Whatever they are, you will not be able to test them until the full release later this fall.

For now, the beta focuses on the core Android 17 foundation. That means you get the underlying operating system improvements, security patches, and performance tweaks that come with the latest version of Android. But the special Nothing flourishes are still being finished.

Should you install the beta right now?

Installing a beta operating system is always a trade-off. You get to try Android 17 early, but you also risk bugs, app crashes, and reduced battery life. Nothing's OS 5.0 beta is no different.

If you rely on your Phone (4a) Pro as your daily driver, you may want to wait for the stable release in October. The beta is meant for developers and enthusiastic fans who are comfortable with instability. If something goes wrong, you may need to factory reset your phone to go back to the previous version.

Here are a few things to consider before you install:

• Back up all your important data before installing the beta.
• Expect some apps to not work correctly until they are updated for Android 17.
• You may not receive regular security updates while on the beta channel.
• The missing features will not arrive until the full update in October.

If you decide to wait, you can keep an eye on mobile news for the official stable release announcement.

Android 17 and Nothing OS 5.0: What we know so far

Android 17 itself brings several changes under the hood, including better privacy controls, improved multitasking, and longer battery life through smarter background app management. Nothing has promised to add its own touches on top, like the signature dot-matrix widgets and monochrome icon packs that define the Nothing experience.

Nothing OS has always been known for being clean and close to stock Android, with a unique design language. OS 5.0 is expected to continue that tradition while adding new exclusive features. But based on the beta, the software is still a work in progress.

If you are shopping for a new phone and want something that receives fast updates, you can browse the phone directory to see all current models. Nothing has been faster than many competitors at delivering Android updates, even if this particular beta arrived a week late.

How to get the Nothing OS 5.0 beta

If you own a Phone (4a) Pro and want to try the beta, you will need to sign up through Nothing's official community channel. The beta is not pushed automatically to every device. You have to enroll and then download the update manually.

Here are the general steps, based on how Nothing has handled previous betas:

1. Go to Nothing's community website and find the OS 5.0 beta sign-up page.
2. Fill out the registration form with your device information.
3. Once approved, you will receive an over-the-air update notification.
4. Install the update like a normal system update.

Keep in mind that spots may be limited. Betas often have a cap on how many users can join. If you miss out, the stable version should arrive in October.

For more information about keeping your phone secure while testing beta software, check out our mobile security guides.

Waiting for the full Nothing experience

The Nothing OS 5.0 beta for the Phone (4a) Pro is an exciting first look at Android 17 on Nothing hardware. But it is not the complete package. The two features that owners want most are not here yet, and the biggest changes are being saved for October.

If you are fine with running unfinished software and want to help Nothing polish the update, the beta is worth a try. If you just want a phone that works reliably every day, wait a few more weeks for the stable release. Either way, the best is still ahead for Phone (4a) Pro owners.

To see how other phones compare for everyday use, you can visit our best phones guide for recommendations across different budgets.