Nothing Considers Building Its Own Mobile Operating System

Carl Pei, CEO and founder of Nothing, has hinted that the company might be working on its operating system, positioning itself as a competitor to Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS

Carl Pei, CEO and founder of Nothing, has hinted that the company might be working on its operating system, positioning itself as a competitor to Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. Currently, almost all smartphones run on one of these two dominant operating systems, as building a new OS from scratch is typically a costly and complex endeavour. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Pei mentioned that Nothing is considering creating its own OS, aiming to reduce its reliance on Android. He noted, “We’re thinking about how we manoeuvre here and maybe create something of our own. Some kind of operating system.” This ambition would place Nothing among a few brands that have explored creating a distinct OS; for instance, Huawei launched HarmonyOS as an alternative to Android but faced significant obstacles due to geopolitical restrictions that limited its success in the U.S. and other markets.

Pei acknowledged the difficulties of developing an independent OS, noting that it often requires extensive resources and high risks. However, he believes that the rise of artificial intelligence has made the process more feasible, potentially lowering the barriers to entry. Pei also highlighted the financial benefits of building a proprietary OS, citing higher margins and reduced dependence on supply chains compared to hardware production. Nonetheless, he stressed that any new OS by Nothing would be designed with a focus on enhancing consumer experience. Currently, Nothing’s latest update, Nothing OS 3.0, based on Android 15, is set to be released soon. Although it may be several months before any proprietary OS from Nothing is unveiled, the company’s vision signals a strategic push toward innovation in the mobile tech landscape.

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