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Nothing Phone 3a Lite Users Can Now Remove Meta Apps Following Backlash Over Preinstalled Software

Nothing Phone 3a Lite users will soon gain full control over pre-installed Meta apps, following criticism of the budget handset for shipping with software such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Until now, users could only disable these apps, which many argued contradicted Nothing’s promise of a clean, minimalist software experience. The upcoming Nothing OS 4.0 beta will allow users to completely uninstall Meta services, giving them greater freedom to manage their devices.

Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis addressed the issue in a community post, confirming that the ability to remove Meta apps will roll out later this month. He emphasized that while flagship models will continue to ship bloatware-free, mid-range and budget devices like the Phone 3a Lite may include select third-party apps by default. The new update aims to balance user choice with the company’s need to support partnerships with app providers.

The backlash emerged after users discovered that the Phone 3a Lite not only included Meta apps but also three background components—Meta App Installer, Meta App Manager, and Meta Services—which were not removable initially. Many users expressed frustration that these apps were preloaded, arguing it undermined the device’s advertised lightweight and streamlined software philosophy.

By introducing full uninstall options in the Nothing OS 4.0 beta, the company is taking steps to restore trust among its community while maintaining compatibility with essential apps on its budget phones. This update reflects a broader industry trend of giving users more control over pre-installed software, particularly on devices that prioritize minimalism and performance.

Nothing Phone 2 Receives Update Featuring Privacy Space, Enhanced Stability, and Up-to-Date Security Patch

Nothing has begun rolling out a new operating system update for its flagship Nothing Phone 2, introducing a mix of fresh features alongside performance and stability enhancements. Among the most notable additions is the new Privacy Space feature, designed to function like a digital safe where users can securely store sensitive apps and data away from prying eyes. Alongside this, Nothing has launched its native Nothing Gallery app, which serves as an alternative media manager to Google Photos, offering improved search capabilities and editing tools.

The update is being distributed gradually worldwide, and users can check for it by navigating to Settings > System > System Updates and selecting Download and Install. Nothing announced the rollout via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting Privacy Space’s ability to hide apps such as banking, finance, or social media applications. Users activate this feature with a simple swipe from the app drawer, and it requires a separate password to access, ensuring a higher level of privacy and security. This addition builds on Android 15’s Private Space functionality, which the Phone 2 lacked in its earlier Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 update from December 2024.

Besides Privacy Space, the new Nothing Gallery app brings advanced features like enhanced search, filters, markup tools, and personalized suggestions, making it easier for users to organize and edit their photos and videos. The update also introduces a toggle to disable the face unlock vibration feedback on the lock screen, giving users more control over their device’s tactile responses. These refinements show Nothing’s focus on improving the overall user experience with small but impactful tweaks.

Under the hood, the update packs various performance and stability improvements. The launcher animations have been optimized to speed up app launches, cellular network connections have been stabilized, and Wi-Fi performance has been enhanced for more reliable connectivity. Additionally, accessibility features for the Status Bar and Notification Center have been improved, further rounding out a comprehensive update designed to refine both the phone’s usability and security.

Nothing Phone 1 Receives Android 15 Update Featuring AI-Driven Smart Drawer and Enhanced Customization

The Nothing Phone 1 has started receiving the latest stable update to Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15, in a phased rollout. This update introduces a range of new features and visual enhancements designed to improve user experience. The update retains the brand’s signature dot-matrix typeface but expands the customization options available to users. Among the notable additions are new home and lock screen customizations, an upgraded pop-up view, and the introduction of an AI-powered smart app categorization feature. This makes the Phone 1 the latest device in the Nothing lineup to receive the Android 15 update, following the rollout for the Phone 2a Plus, Phone 2a, and Phone 2 in December.

One of the standout features of the Nothing OS 3.0 update is the AI-powered smart drawer. This new feature automatically organizes apps into folders based on usage patterns, providing a more intuitive and streamlined app experience. Users can also pin their most frequently used apps to the top of the app drawer for quicker access, improving overall convenience. The smart drawer is just one of many enhancements designed to make navigating the device more efficient and user-friendly.

In addition to the app drawer improvements, the update introduces a new lock screen customization page. Accessible through long-pressing the lock screen or via the customization window, this feature offers new clock face styles and expanded widget space, allowing users to add more widgets to the lock screen for greater personalization. These changes provide a more dynamic and customizable experience, allowing users to make the device truly their own.

Other visual upgrades in the Nothing OS 3.0 update include redesigned quick settings, a revamped widget library, and enhanced settings for a more cohesive user interface. The update also brings a new dot animation for actions like unlocking the device and charging, adding a playful and visually pleasing touch to system interactions. With these improvements, the Nothing Phone 1 becomes even more refined, offering users a fresh and intuitive experience powered by the latest Android 15 features.