Nothing unveils AI-native OS Essential and Playground, its own version of App Store

Nothing on Tuesday (September 30, 2025) unveiled Essential, its new AI platform that claims to work as AI-native operating system with a suite of AI tools that will evolve into Essential OS. The London-based tech company also launched its own version of App/Play Store called Playground.

Nothing said that Essential is going to be the foundation for a future personal operating system. It also launched Essential Apps where users can have their own personalised apps instantly with natural language. AI can generate an Essential App you can add to your home screen instantly.

Playground is a community-powered platform for downloading, sharing and remixing Apps, and other community creations, it mentioned.

“Technology doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. We believe it should be personal, adaptive, and genuinely under your control,” said Nothing.

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“With Essential, Nothing is turning foundational AI into hyper-personalised experiences that help in daily life, while breaking away from the rigid and walled gardens that define today’s smartphones,” claims Nothing.

“With Essential, we begin to chip away at the outdated and elitist system set up by the legacy market leaders. A new era requires new thinking. The future of software will be one of unrestricted access, collective innovation, and hyper personalisation. Moats of the past will be dismantled, opening the door to a truly user-led future.” said Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing.

As an independent platform not incentivised to maintain the status quo, Nothing can build an open ecosystem where people create their own path, added Nothing.