Nova Launcher founder confirms he’s leaving the company
It was created and nurtured by a developer who listened closely to his community, delivering features that mainstream launchers often ignored.
Nova Launcher has been at the heart of Android customization for more than a decade, shaping the way countless users interact with their devices. Known for its speed, deep customization, and reliability, it quickly became the launcher of choice for enthusiasts who wanted their home screens to look and feel unique.
For many, Nova was not just an app but a symbol of what made Android special compared to other mobile platforms.
With the recent confirmation that Kevin Barry, the founder and original developer of Nova Launcher, has stepped away from the project entirely, the Android community is facing the end of an era. His departure leaves the future of one of the most beloved Android apps in serious doubt.
The story of Nova Launcher’s decline can be traced back to its acquisition in 2022 by analytics company Branch. At that time, the message to users was one of reassurance.
Branch stated that the core team would continue to run the project, development would remain consistent, and, importantly, if the original team ever stepped away, Nova Launcher would be open-sourced.
This gave many fans confidence that the app’s legacy would not only be preserved but could evolve with the support of the larger Android community. For a while, that promise kept the faith alive, especially among users who had been loyal to Nova since its earliest releases.
Kevin Barry’s recent announcement changes everything. In his statement, he revealed that over the past year he had been working alone on Nova, carrying the weight of development entirely by himself.
Despite those challenges, he had spent months preparing to deliver on the promise of open-sourcing the launcher.
This would have ensured Nova’s survival beyond corporate involvement, allowing developers and enthusiasts worldwide to contribute and maintain it. However, according to Barry, Branch instructed him to stop those efforts, effectively closing the door on what many saw as the best possible future for the launcher.
For the community, this feels like more than just a setback — it is the final chapter of Nova Launcher as it was originally envisioned.
The consequences of this decision are significant. While the app will still function in its current state, the lack of updates means its compatibility with future versions of Android is uncertain. Google’s platform evolves rapidly, often requiring adjustments from developers to keep apps running smoothly.
Without active maintenance, Nova Launcher will eventually start to show its age, losing the polish and adaptability that once made it essential.
The impact will be felt most by power users who depended on Nova’s granular control over gestures, icon packs, layouts, and animations. These were the very features that helped Nova stand apart from stock launchers and other competitors.
For long-time supporters, this moment is bittersweet. Nova Launcher was more than just software; it represented the best of what independent Android development could achieve.
The move from independence to corporate ownership was always going to change the dynamics, but few expected it to end with promises unfulfilled and development cut off.
This shift serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when a grassroots project is absorbed into a larger structure where financial interests outweigh community trust.
Looking ahead, Android users who relied on Nova will now be forced to explore alternatives. Launchers like Lawnchair, Niagara, and Smart Launcher offer strong customization features and are still actively maintained.
Lawnchair in particular has a passionate community-driven development approach that echoes what Nova once represented. While none may fully replicate the combination of stability and depth that Nova provided, they do highlight that the spirit of Android customization remains alive elsewhere. For many users searching “best Android launcher” or “Nova Launcher alternatives,” these apps will likely be the next stop in their personalization journey.
The end of Kevin Barry’s involvement does not erase Nova Launcher’s legacy. It will be remembered as the launcher that set the benchmark for performance and customization on Android.
From its fine-grained control over grid layouts to its smooth animations and unmatched flexibility, Nova changed how people thought about home screen personalization.
Its story is now also a cautionary tale about the risks of corporate acquisitions and the importance of open-source communities in keeping projects alive. As Android continues to evolve, the influence of Nova Launcher will remain undeniable, even if the app itself fades into the past.
