Android users mourn one of most beloved downloads as popular app faces the axe
Android users mourn one of the most beloved downloads as popular app faces the axe.
Ever since the operating system launched in 2008 on the HTC Dream (also known as the Google G1), the ability to tweak and personalise your phone's interface has been one of Android's biggest advantages over Apple's more rigid iOS approach.
One of the most dramatic changes you could make to your Android experience was swapping out the launcher, which was essentially your home screen and app drawer.
This could completely transform the way your phone looks and feels, allowing you to turn a budget device into something that matches your personal style.
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No app offered this level of customisation quite like Nova Launcher.
For over a decade, it was the gold standard for Android launchers, beloved by millions of users who wanted more control over their devices.
But now, that era appears to be over.
While Nova Launcher is still available for download, it's no longer being developed following the departure of Kevin Barry, its founder and original programmer.
"I'm the founder and original developer of Nova Launcher. I've been the only one working on Nova for the past year. I needed to let you know that I have left Branch and am no longer involved with Nova Launcher," Barry wrote in his farewell blog post. "However I was ultimately asked to stop working on Nova Launcher and the open sourcing effort."
In 2022, Nova Launcher was acquired by Branch, a deep linking and metrics company.
By 2024, the situation had deteriorated with Branch laying off the entire Nova Launcher workforce, leaving only Barry to keep the project alive.
According to a recent blog post from Barry, Branch has now asked him to stop working on Nova Launcher entirely, leading to his departure from the company.
"Nova Launcher has been an incredible project and has an incredible community. I'm grateful for the years of support, feedback, and enthusiasm," Barry concluded.
Sadly, that means it's probably time to move on from the Android launcher and find another solution. Barry had been working to make Nova Launcher open source, but ultimately, that didn't happen. This leaves Nova Launcher in complete limbo, with its last update dating back to May 2024.
The news has hit Android users hard, with many turning to Reddit to say their goodbyes.
"You'll be missed, Nova Launcher!" one user replied.
"Damn. I've been using Nova since I switch to Android in 2017. I love it," another shared.
"The only Android app I ever paid for. RIP," someone else admitted.
On another post, another user explained: "An integral part of why I loved Android. I might have moved onto Niagara, but will forever be thankful for his efforts. I hope he's able to have a similar effect on his future endeavours."