Nothing phone owners could be staring at an uncomfortable upgrade deadline. Android 17 is expected to arrive as part of Nothing OS 5.0, but three older devices may be excluded: the Nothing Phone (1), Nothing Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1. The bigger question is not just whether these phones can run the update—it is whether their promised software support has already run out.
Nothing phone owners may soon feel the sting of planned obsolescence. With Android 17 and Nothing OS 5.0 approaching, three older models—the Nothing Phone (1), Nothing Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1—are widely expected to miss the next major update. But is your device actually at the end of its software life, or will it continue receiving important security patches?
Nothing promised three major Android upgrades for the Phone (2), while the CMF Phone 1 was sold with two major Android updates and three years of security support. Before panic sets in, here is how to check your phone’s cutoff date and decide what to do next.
Why Android 17 Is Making Owners Nervous
A major Android update is more than a cosmetic refresh. It can affect privacy controls, app compatibility, battery management, accessibility, performance, and long-term resale value.
A phone does not suddenly become useless when it misses one Android version. However, the missed update can signal that the manufacturer has reached the end of its promised software-support window.
Nothing OS 5.0 is expected to bring Android 17 features and a redesigned interface, but unconfirmed features should be approached cautiously until Nothing publishes complete release notes.
The Nothing Phones Most at Risk
Current reporting identifies three foundational models as the primary Nothing and CMF devices expected to miss Android 17, while newer Phone (2a), Phone (3), and CMF Phone 2 Pro models remain safe.
| Device | Final expected major Android version | Android 17 status | Security-support concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone (1) | Android 15 | Expected to miss Android 17 | May have reached or passed its software-support cutoff |
| Nothing Phone (2) | Android 16 | Expected to miss Android 17 | Security updates may continue after major OS support ends |
| CMF Phone 1 | Android 16 | Expected to miss Android 17 | Promised three years of security updates |
Important: “Not eligible for Android 17” does not automatically mean “no more updates.” Major Android upgrades and security patches are separate support categories.
Nothing Phone (1): The First Warning Sign
The original Nothing Phone (1) launched with Android 12 and was promised three years of Android updates. Nothing’s security page lists the Phone (1) with a three-year update period and a four-year support period, though regional variations exist.
- Launch software: Android 12.
- Final major Android version: Expected to be Android 15.
- Android 17: Not expected.
The Phone (1) is the clearest example of how quickly a first-generation device can reach its software ceiling. Its hardware may still feel capable for everyday tasks, but missing Android 17 means it will no longer receive the newest platform-level privacy, performance, and compatibility improvements.
Nothing Phone (2): Powerful, but Still Limited
The Phone (2) creates the most frustration among users because it remains a remarkably robust device. Nothing’s stated policy for the Phone (2) provides three years of Android updates and four years of security patches.
- Launch software: Android 13.
- Final major Android version: Expected to be Android 16.
- Android 17: Expected to be excluded.
The Phone (2) may not be too old for Android 17; it may simply be too old according to the support contract. Security updates are expected to continue for a period past the final major OS update, even if feature updates halt.
CMF Phone 1: Budget Buyers Face the Shortest Runway
The CMF Phone 1 was marketed with two major Android updates and three years of security updates.
The CMF Phone 1 highlights the difficult trade-off in affordable phones: the lower purchase price can come with a shorter major-update window, even when the underlying hardware functions smoothly for casual daily routines.
Which Nothing Phones Should Get Android 17?
Recent Android 17 tracking reports list newer devices as prime candidates for the Nothing OS 5.0 ecosystem:
- Nothing Phone (2a) & Phone (2a) Plus
- Nothing Phone (3)
- Nothing Phone (3a) series (Lite, Pro)
- Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro
- CMF Phone 2 Pro
Eligibility is not the same as release timing. Even when a phone qualifies, the update arrives in phases depending on country, carrier, beta participation, and regional certification.
Android 17 Eligibility Checklist
Follow these quick steps on your device to verify its status:
- Identify model: Navigate to Settings → About phone → Model to check your exact variant.
- Check current version: Look under Settings → About phone → Android version.
- Look for patches: Check your security update patch level to see how protected your device remains.
- Check for system pushes: Go to Settings → System → System update as recommended by Nothing’s support guidelines.
Nothing OS 5.0 update with Android 17 is ‘coming soon’ https://t.co/2th9c4ghXP
— Android Authority (@AndroidAuth) August 20, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Nothing Phone (1) get Android 17?
No, the Nothing Phone (1) is not expected to receive Android 17 since it has reached the conclusion of its promised major software update timeline.
Does missing Android 17 make my phone unsafe?
Not immediately. Safety depends heavily on whether your device continues to receive active security patches and app updates from the Google Play Store.