It’s a sad day for anyone who loves customizing their Android phone‘s home screen. The founder and original developer of Nova Launcher, Kevin Barry, has officially parted ways with the project. This move, which marks the end of an era for one of Android’s most iconic apps, has left the future of the beloved Nova Launcher in serious doubt.
For years, Nova Launcher has been the go-to app for Android enthusiasts. It was famous for its incredible speed, endless customization options, and consistent updates. But things changed in 2022 when the analytics firm Branch acquired Nova. At the time, Branch assured the community that the original team would remain in control. The firm also claimed that development would continue as usual. There was even a public commitment to eventually open-source the launcher’s code if the team ever left.
Nova Launcher founder confirms he’s leaving the project
Fast forward to today, and that vision has seemingly unraveled. Kevin Barry recently announced that he has left Branch and is no longer involved with Nova. His statement revealed a particularly tough journey: for the past year, he had been the sole developer on the project. Even more disheartening, he had spent months preparing to open-source Nova Launcher—a move long promised to the community—but was ultimately asked by Branch to stop his efforts.
This news spells the end of Nova Launcher as we know it. While the app will continue to function on your phone for now, it is unlikely to receive any new features or updates. As Google releases new versions of Android, the launcher may eventually struggle to keep up.
For the community that has supported Nova for over a decade, this is a real disappointment. It’s a reminder of what can happen when a larger corporate structure absorbs a grassroots passion project. While the legacy of Nova Launcher’s speed and customization will live on, it seems its development story has come to an unceremonious close.
