Key Takeaways
1. Nova Launcher is being discontinued, with the last update released in May 2024.
2. There are no plans for an open-source release, despite earlier promises.
3. Nova was a leading third-party launcher, offering extensive customization options for Android users.
4. Users are encouraged to export their layouts and consider alternative launchers like Lawnchair, Niagara, or Smart Launcher.
5. The discontinuation of Nova Launcher highlights the unpredictability of app availability and the impact on long-time users.
I woke up to the shocking news that Nova Launcher is being discontinued. As a person who frequently tests new phones, my first action is to download Nova Launcher and set up my layout. The end of Nova feels really personal to me. On September 6, 2025, Kevin Barry, the creator of Nova, announced that he has departed from Branch, the company that bought Nova in 2022, and that all development on the app will cease.
No Open-Source Future
There are no plans for an open-source release anymore, as he was instructed to stop working on it, even though Branch had previously promised that the code would be shared with the community if he ever left. While Nova can still be downloaded and used, it will eventually fail to function properly as Android updates continue. Nova was a key player among third-party launchers on Android, giving users customization options for their home screens that stock launchers simply didn’t offer. I was dependent on Nova’s grid settings, gestures, icon packs, and its reliable performance across various devices. Whenever I transitioned to a new phone, Nova made the experience feel like home.
A Sad Farewell
By 2024, Branch had terminated most of its developers, leaving Barry as the sole person working on the app. The final update was released in May 2024. Many users took to Reddit and other forums to express their sadness and appreciation. One user shared, “Nova has been part of my daily life since my first smartphone… Thanks for all those years of hard work.” Another user simply commented, “This is very sad. Nova is iconic.”
At this moment, Nova still functions, but it’s wise for users to export their layouts and consider alternatives like Lawnchair, Niagara, or Smart Launcher. I assumed that Nova would always be available and didn’t really think about what might happen if Barry chose to leave or if Branch lost interest. Nova shaped Android customization for over ten years, and its discontinuation serves as a stark reminder that even the most dependable tools can vanish.
What’s Next for Users?
If you are like me and the first thing you do is download Nova Launcher, it’s time to face the reality that it has come to an end. The launcher that set the benchmark for Android customization is no longer available, and now we have to figure out what to do next. Have you ever used Nova Launcher? I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on this development.
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