GoKawiilNothing OS 5.1 to add official remapping for Essential Key button
Nothing has revealed early plans for Nothing OS 5.1, a minor update that will let users remap the Essential Key found on some of its phones, currently tied to the Essential Space app. The company also confirmed it's beginning work on a larger Nothing OS 6.0 release planned for 2027, while Nothing OS 5.0 remains in beta on the Phone 3 ahead of a stable rollout expected in mid-October.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Remapping has been one of the most requested features since the Essential Key launched, as many users found its default function too limited and resorted to unofficial workarounds. By confirming this fix early and teasing a roadmap toward 2027, Nothing is signaling a longer-term software commitment, though older devices like the Phone 1 and Phone 2 will be left out of these updates.
- Nothing OS 5.1 will let users officially remap the Essential Key.
- Nothing OS 6.0 is planned for 2027, with user feedback shaping its direction.
- Nothing Phone 1 and Phone 2 won't receive OS 5.0, 5.1, or 6.0 updates.
Nothing Phone (3) — This is the phone at the heart of the story dash it ships with the Essential Key that Nothing OS 5.1 will finally let you remap. It's already running the Nothing OS 5.0 beta, so you get the transparent Glyph-style design plus the newest software features first.
See Nothing Phone (3) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-04
Published there as: “Nothing’s next OS update will make the Essential Key much more useful”
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