- Kevin Barry leaves the project and Branch halts the plan to open source Nova Launcher.
- The app is still on Google Play, but without an active team, it's unlikely to receive new features.
- The last update published on the Play Store dates back to May 18, 2024.
- Possible bugs with future versions of Android and need to explore alternatives.
The Android ecosystem loses one of its most veteran figures: Kevin barry has abandoned Nova Launcher, leaving development without a clear leader. The app remains available, but the project's direction remains in question.
After years of paving the way for customization on Android, the launcher is entering a delicate phase: without its creator in charge and with the code closed, there are no guarantees of evolution or support in the medium term.
What exactly happened?
The end of this stage It is confirmed when Barry announces that he is leaving Branch and is disassociating himself from Nova Launcher. For the past year, he had been the de facto sole active developer, also preparing to release the code to open the project to the community.
That opening will not see the light of day: Branch asked to halt the open source plan and also to stop the development that was being carried out. The decision cuts off at the root the only real path that could ensure continuity outside the owner company.
In the immediate future, nothing explodes: the app is still available both in its free and paid versions (Nova Launcher Prime). But without technical leadership or roadmap, long-term maintenance is uncertain.
From buying at Branch to braking
Recent history goes through Branch's acquisition of Nova Launcher in 2022. Then it was promised not to interfere in the development and it was even suggested that The code would be released if the founder left the company; with the latest moves, that commitment has remained on paper.
In 2024, layoffs began and the team was reduced to a minimum: from a dozen people to a single developerThis cutback explains much of the functional slowdown and the feeling that the project is on hold.
The data on the Play Store reinforces the idea: The last published update is from May 18, 2024. Unlocking the premium version and related tools (such as Sesame) have also been inactive for years, a sign of the exhaustion of the ecosystem around the launcher.
Is it still available and what can users expect?
Today, anyone using Nova Launcher can continue to do so: there are no immediate changes in operationThe home screens, gestures, and options will continue to work on current devices.
The risk arises when new versions of the system arrive: Each Android leap introduces APIs and requirements which, without regular maintenance, can break key details (animations, permissions, widget integration, or the app drawer).
Another front is distribution: if the software accumulates incompatibilities, Google Play may limit downloads on recent phones. and even withdraw it later. With no updates or open source code, any fixes are at Branch's discretion.
Alternatives and the role of launchers today
For those who want to be on the safe side, there are options that are actively developing. Niagara Launcher It stands out for its minimalist approach and list navigation; lawnchair lovingly replicates the Pixel experience; and Smart Launcher offers dynamic desktop organization.
The context doesn't help either: Android has become more homogeneous and The manufacturers' layers have improved, bridging the gap previously filled by third-party launchers. Still, there's still a community that values the flexibility and refinement that Nova popularized.
Nova Launcher continues to be downloadable, but its development is stalled, the promised open source code won't go ahead, and the ball is in Branch's court. Those who use it can continue doing so without any problems, although it's a good idea to have alternatives on hand in case future versions of Android tighten the screws.
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