Nothing introduced a beta version of Essential Apps—a platform for creating mini-apps using artificial intelligence

Nothing launches beta version of Essential Apps – AI-based mini‑app builder

In October last year Nothing announced Essential Apps – a platform that lets users create small apps and widgets using artificial intelligence. The created blocks can be used personally or shared through the *Nothing Playground* community.

Today Nothing announced the launch of the beta after an alpha release that was available only to a limited group of testers at the end of 2025.

How to get access
- The beta is open for owners of Nothing Phone (3) smartphones.

- According to company representatives, this device has sufficient performance to run multiple Essential Apps simultaneously; support for other Nothing models and CMF devices running Nothing OS 4.0+ is planned in the future.

- Access expands gradually: users are added in batches via a waiting list.

Current capabilities
At the moment the platform can be used only with three permissions:

1. Location

2. Calendar (read‑only)

3. Contacts

With them you can create:

- location‑based reminders;

- mini‑apps for viewing daily schedules;

- countdown timers to meetings;

- “one‑tap contact” widgets.

Future plans include expanding access to cameras, microphone, network, notifications, vibration, calls and Bluetooth.

What’s expected in the Nothing OS update
A Nothing OS update is scheduled for the end of February, which will:

- add activity monitoring and device usage statistics;

- provide sensor access;

- introduce the first system Weather API.

How the builder works
1. The user describes the desired function in plain language (within the access limits).

2. AI generates the corresponding app or widget.

3. When editing, only the parts mentioned in the request are changed, which increases stability and reliability.

Future plans
The Essential Apps builder “will be released to the public later this year,” when integration with the system is fully stable and compatibility with a wide range of devices is confirmed.

During beta testing Nothing plans to:

- deepen system integration;

- expand the builder’s functionality;

- support more devices.