Nova Launcher discontinued — a phrase many Android fans never expected to hear. For years, Nova was more than just an app; it was the heart of Android customization, letting users create a home screen that truly felt personal. With its smooth gestures, endless tweaks, and reliable updates, Nova became the gold standard among launchers. Now, its sudden discontinuation has left users searching for answers and alternatives. While the app still works for now, the lack of future updates means it may not keep up with new Android versions. So, is it time to find your next best launcher?
Why was Nova Launcher discontinued?
Nova Launcher was created by developer Kevin Barry and became one of the most popular Android apps ever. In 2022, the app was acquired by a company called Branch. The plan was that if Kevin left the project, Nova Launcher might become open source.
However, recent reports confirm that Kevin has stepped away, and Branch has decided not to release the code. This decision means that Nova Launcher discontinued is now a reality. While the app still works if you already have it, future updates are not guaranteed. That could cause problems with new Android versions and security fixes.
What does this mean for Android users?
If you’re still using Nova, don’t panic—it hasn’t stopped working yet. You can continue using it for now. But with no active developer support, bugs and compatibility issues may appear in the future. Many users are already looking for Nova Launcher alternatives to keep their Android phones customizable and secure.
Best Nova Launcher alternatives in 2025
When one door closes, another opens. The good news is that Android has several other launchers that can replace Nova. Here are some of the most popular choices:
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Niagara Launcher – Clean, minimal design focused on speed and simplicity.
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Lawnchair Launcher – Open-source and very similar to Nova, great for users who want a familiar experience.
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Smart Launcher 6 – Comes with smart search, adaptive icons, and lots of themes.
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Microsoft Launcher – Good for those who want strong productivity features and integration with Windows.
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Hyperion Launcher – A customizable option built by former Substratum developers.
Each of these launchers offers a slightly different feel, so it’s worth trying a couple to see which one fits your style best.
The future of Android customization
The news that Nova Launcher discontinued marks the end of an era. For many, Nova wasn’t just another app—it was the backbone of their Android experience. From advanced gestures to custom icons, it gave users the freedom to design their home screens exactly how they wanted.
While no launcher may perfectly replace Nova, the Android community remains strong. New developers continue to create launchers, and users will always look for the best Android launchers to keep customization alive.
Final thoughts
Hearing that Nova Launcher discontinued is sad, especially for those of us who relied on it for years. But Android has always been about choice. Even if Nova is gone, there are plenty of launchers ready to step up.
If you’re still holding on to Nova, enjoy it while it lasts—but start testing alternatives now. Change can be hard, but it can also be a chance to discover something new for your phone.
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