One of the most iconic Android launchers, Nova Launcher, is now facing an uncertain future. Kevin Barry, the founder and sole remaining developer of Nova, has officially left Branch, the mobile analytics company that acquired the app in 2022. His departure comes after he was asked to stop working on the launcher and to halt efforts to open-source it.
At the time of acquisition, Branch’s then-CEO Alex Austin had assured users that if Barry ever left the company, the launcher would be open-sourced and handed over to the community. But Austin himself left Branch in 2023. With Barry gone too, it is unclear whether the company will honor that promise. Currently, Nova Launcher’s official website shows a 404 error, though the app remains available on Google Play.
Cliff Wade, Nova’s former customer relations lead, who was laid off last year, said the new leadership at Branch has shifted its focus and no longer cares about Nova. He believes Branch is unlikely to open-source the app unless there is significant pressure from the community.
Nova Launcher has been one of the most popular Android launchers for over a decade, known for its customization options, performance, and ability to make Android devices feel unique. With Barry’s exit, the app’s development is essentially stalled. Without updates, future Android versions may eventually break compatibility.
If Branch does follow through and open-source Nova, developers around the world could continue its legacy and keep it alive through community-driven updates. But if the company holds on to the code, Nova risks fading away like so many other beloved Android projects swallowed by corporate strategy.
Right now, Nova stands at a crossroads. Either Branch sticks to Austin’s original promise and open-sources the app, or it lets the launcher slowly fade away. The outcome may depend on how much pressure the community can apply.
