Nothing Rolls Out Essential Apps Builder Beta for Phone 3 Users: Check Out All Details Here

By: Ajay Ajay

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Updated on: 11-Feb-2026

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Key Highlights

• Nothing rolls out beta version of Essential Apps Builder
• Feature allows users to create personalised apps using natural language prompts
• Currently exclusive to Nothing Phone 3, with phased rollout in batches via waitlist
• Part of Essential Suite introduced in September 2025 as step toward AI-native OS
• Company skips flagship launch in 2026, focuses on Phone (4a) and audio products
• Expanded capabilities planned, including more permissions and features in late February update

Nothing Announces Beta Rollout for Essential Apps Builder

Nothing has begun rolling out the beta version of its Essential Apps Builder, a tool that enables users to build custom mini apps and widgets through natural language descriptions. The feature, part of the Essential Suite unveiled in September 2025, represents the company's initial move toward an AI-native operating system experience.

The Essential Apps Builder operates within the Playground hub, where users describe desired functionality in plain language, and AI generates the app for deployment to the home screen.

Essential Apps Builder Beta Rolling Out in Batches to Nothing Phone 3 Users

In a community post, Nothing confirmed that the Essential Apps Builder has entered beta and is rolling out to a wider audience. The rollout is phased, starting exclusively with Nothing Phone 3 users due to the device's performance capabilities for running multiple Essential Apps during refinement.

Users must join a waitlist to gain access, with additions occurring in batches. The company described this as a controlled expansion to ensure stability before broader availability.

Current Capabilities and Permissions

At launch, the beta supports creating apps such as:

• Location-based reminders
• Agenda views
• Meeting countdowns
• One-tap contact widgets

The tool requires permissions for:

• Location
• Calendar (read-only)
• Contacts

Nothing indicated that additional capabilities will arrive soon, including access to camera, microphone, network fetching, notifications, vibration, calling, and Bluetooth.

Upcoming Features and Timeline

A late February OS update will add:

• Activity recognition
• Usage statistics
• Sensor data
• System Weather API

The stable release of Essential Apps Builder is targeted for later in the year. It will include Remixing Apps functionality within the Playground hub.

Enhancements already in beta include:

• Easier publishing and updating with clear labels for live apps, drafts, and changes
• Support for dark mode
• Improved version control for targeted updates and restores

Future Rollout to Other Devices

Once the beta stabilises, Essential Apps will expand to other Nothing and CMF devices running Nothing OS 4.0 or later.

Nothing Shifts Focus Away from 2026 Flagship

Nothing has confirmed no new flagship smartphone launch in 2026. The Nothing Phone 3 will remain the top-tier model throughout the year.

The company will prioritise:

• Nothing Phone (4a) series as a major evolution in the (a) lineup
• Audio products, including potential successors to existing headphones

This strategy allows focus on software enhancements like Essential Apps alongside more accessible hardware.

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What to Watch Next

Users can join the waitlist via the Playground platform for beta access. Official updates on expanded permissions, stable release, and broader device support are expected in coming months. The late February OS update may introduce key new builder capabilities.