Nova Launcher Shuts Down After Founder’s Exit and Acquisition Fallout
Nova Launcher, one of the most iconic Android customization apps, has officially come to an end. The announcement follows the resignation of Kevin Barry, the founder and sole lead developer, who revealed he was asked to stop development entirely. This closure comes in the aftermath of Branch Metrics, the company that acquired Nova in 2022, laying off over 100 employees in 2024, including the entire Nova development team. The project has now been halted, and the official website novalauncher.com is no longer accessible.
Barry disclosed through teslacoilapps.com/nova/solong.html that this was a difficult day for him, as he had also been preparing an open-source release of Nova Launcher before being instructed to stop. The situation grew more complicated after the resignation of Alex Austin, the former CEO of Branch Metrics, in 2023. Austin had been a key figure in securing the acquisition deal, which reportedly included a commitment to open-source Nova if Barry ever stepped down. With Austin gone, that promise now appears to have fallen through.
The shutdown has left millions of loyal Nova users disappointed, with many expressing sadness and nostalgia across Reddit. Fans praised Nova as a legendary tool that helped shape Android’s success by giving users control over customization. While the app remains available on Google Play for now, the future of updates is highly uncertain. A growing community movement has started a Change.org campaign urging Branch Metrics to release Nova as open-source software, already gathering over 2,200 signatures.
First launched in 2011, Nova Launcher quickly rose to prominence with its ease of use, wide range of customization features, and powerful performance. It became a staple for users who wanted to tailor their Android experience beyond stock options. However, following the Branch Metrics acquisition in 2022, uncertainty clouded the project. The mass layoffs in the following year effectively ended Nova’s active development.
In today’s Android ecosystem, built-in customization has advanced to the point where third-party launchers are less essential than they once were. Yet, for enthusiasts who relied on Nova’s precision and flexibility, this shutdown marks the end of an era. Many are already turning to alternatives such as Lawnchair or Niagara Launcher to fill the gap, though few can claim the same level of impact that Nova had over more than a decade.
The end of Nova Launcher is more than just the loss of an app. It highlights a broader issue in the tech world: acquisitions often disrupt or even end beloved projects, leaving loyal users stranded. While the Android community searches for replacements, Nova’s legacy remains firmly cemented as one of the defining tools that shaped the way people personalized their smartphones.
