·  ·  · 

Nova Launcher Lives Again? Surprise Update Drops Amid Branch Metrics Chaos

November 1, 2025
by
Nova Launcher Lives Again? Surprise Update Drops Amid Branch Metrics Chaos
  • Founder Forced Out: Nova Launcher’s original creator, Kevin Barry, left the project in September 2025 after its owner Branch Metrics allegedly told him to stop working on the app and cancel plans to open-source it [1]. This departure came with news that Branch was not honoring a prior promise to release Nova’s code to the community if Barry ever left [2].
  • First Update in 18 Months: In a shocking turn, Nova Launcher version 8.1.3 just rolled out via the Google Play Store beta channel – the first update since May 2024 [3]. Many had assumed Nova was effectively dead after Barry’s exit, making this surprise release a welcome jolt for fans.
  • Old Code, New Release: Former Nova developers revealed that the 8.1.3 build isn’t actually new development – most of its changes were completed over a year ago by the original team [4]. With no original Nova devs left at Branch Metrics, they caution that they “can’t make any promises” about the app’s data collection or future updates [5].
  • Notable New Features: Nova Launcher 8.1.3 adds improved Android compatibility and revamps the “Nova Now” feed with a fresh coat of paint. Users get a redesigned media playback card, a new weather forecast card, and an updated calendar card in the feed [6]. The update also introduces color customization for Nova’s search/bar feed page, the ability to save and search web suggestion history (with a privacy toggle), an option for instant keyboard in search, plus stability fixes and polished Spotify music integration [7] [8].
  • Uncertain Future for Nova: Experts note this surprise update may be merely clearing out a backlog rather than heralding a true revival [9] [10]. Nova Launcher’s fate remains unclear – some fear this could be one of its final official releases amid Branch’s wavering support and a broader shift away from third-party launchers on Android [11] [12].

The Beloved Android Launcher in Limbo

Nova Launcher isn’t just any app – for over a decade, it has been the go-to Android home screen replacement for power users and customization enthusiasts. With over 50 million installs on Google Play, Nova became renowned for letting users tailor every aspect of their home screen beyond what stock launchers offer [13]. It built a reputation for robust features (like custom icon packs, gestures, and backup/restore), frequent updates, and rock-solid stability that made it “a definite go-to for any enthusiast” as well as mainstream users seeking more control over their phone’s interface [14].

That legacy is why recent events sent shockwaves through the Android community. In mid-2022, Nova Launcher was acquired by Branch Metrics, a mobile analytics firm [15]. At the time, users were assured nothing major would change, aside from Branch integrating its analytics services into Nova [16]. In fact, Branch’s then-CEO Alex Austin publicly stated that if Nova’s founder ever left, the launcher’s code was “contracted that the code will be open-sourced and put in the hands of the community” [17].

Fast forward to 2024-2025, and those optimistic promises unraveled. Branch underwent mass layoffs in 2024, and by early 2025 Kevin Barry was essentially the last man standing on the Nova team [18]. Still, Barry forged ahead preparing Nova’s code for open-source release (cleaning up licensing, removing proprietary bits, etc.) as he believed had been promised [19] [20]. Instead, in September 2025, Branch abruptly instructed Barry to cease all work on Nova and stop the open-sourcing effort, effectively pushing him out of the project [21]. Barry announced his departure in an open letter, expressing gratitude to the Nova community and disappointment that Branch wasn’t honoring the open-source commitment [22]. Nova’s official website even went offline (returning a 404 error) around that time [23], a ominous sign that the launcher’s days might be numbered. Tech outlets all but declared “RIP Nova Launcher,” lamenting the end of an era for a legendary app [24].

A Surprise Revival – Nova Launcher 8.1.3 Emerges

Given that grim backdrop, no one expected to see a Nova Launcher update ever again. Yet on October 30, 2025, reports surfaced that Nova Launcher 8.1.3 had appeared as an update on the Play Store’s beta channel [25]. It’s the first official update in roughly 18 months, the last one dating back to May 2024 [26]. The news was first spotted on Reddit by Nova users, and soon Android news sites confirmed a new APK was rolling out to beta testers [27].

The circumstances of this update are unusual. For one, it hasn’t (at least as of this writing) shown up on Nova’s own website or the stable Play Store track [28] [29]. The beta-only release suggests it wasn’t a heavily promoted launch, but more of a quiet drop to fulfill some necessity. And indeed, former Nova developers indicate the update was not driven by new development effort at Branch, but rather represents code that had been “built by the original team over a year ago” [30]. Essentially, Nova 8.1.3 seems to be an overdue package of features and fixes that the old Nova team had in the pipeline well before Kevin Barry left [31].

So why push it out now, after pushing out the original devs? One likely reason is Google’s policy changes. As one community developer pointed out, starting in late 2025 Google began hiding apps on new Android versions if they don’t target a recent API level [32]. Nova’s last update targeted Android 13; with Android 14 widely released, Nova would have soon disappeared from search results for users on Android 14+ [33]. Branch may have realized that without an update, Nova would stop attracting new users (and new user data) on modern phones. In other words, this release may have been a last-minute move to keep Nova visible on the Play Store and compliant with Google’s requirements, rather than a sign of renewed investment [34]. As one Reddit commenter cynically put it, Branch pushed the update because their “source of data from new installs would dry up” otherwise [35].

Regardless of the motive, Nova fans were relieved to see the app “isn’t completely dead yet,” as Android Authority quipped [36]. The version 8.1.3 update, now available to beta users, even carries a real changelog of feature improvements – giving a glimmer of hope that Nova might live on a bit longer in its current form.

What’s New in Nova Launcher 8.1.3

Even if Nova Launcher 8.1.3’s code isn’t brand-new, it packs a lengthy list of enhancements that many users will appreciate. According to release notes and community reports, this update is focused on modernizing compatibility and polishing Nova’s existing features [37]. Here are some of the highlights of what Nova 8.1.3 brings:

  • Full Android 14 Support: The update targets the latest Android API, squashing performance issues or bugs on newer devices [38]. Nova should now run smoothly on Android 13, 14 and beyond, aligning with Google’s latest requirements.
  • Nova Now Feed Overhaul: Nova’s integrated feed (known as Nova Now) gets a major refresh. There’s a new Welcome Card that appears on first launch to explain permissions the feed needs [39], plus color theming options to customize the look of your feed. The feed’s content “cards” have been upgraded – a redesigned Media Card for music controls, a brand-new Weather Card for at-a-glance forecasts, and an improved Calendar Card for upcoming events [40]. These changes give Nova’s Google Discover-like feed a much-needed facelift and added functionality.
  • Enhanced Search Experience: Nova’s search bar (part of Nova Now) is now more powerful. You can save your search query history for web suggestions and even search within that history in future [41]. (Privacy-minded users can turn this feature off if desired.) There’s also a new “instant search” option – essentially, Nova can automatically pop up the keyboard as soon as you open the search interface, so you can start typing immediately [42]. It’s a small tweak for usability that frequent searchers will love. Additionally, new search bar styling options let users tweak the appearance of the search widget to better match their home screen aesthetic [43].
  • Integration Tweaks: The developers mention that Spotify integration within Nova has been “polished” [44]. This likely refers to the media controls or the Nova Now media card working more reliably with Spotify playback. While specifics weren’t detailed, it’s good news for music lovers. Nova 8.1.3 also adds a new permission prompt related to Nova Now – presumably to explicitly request whatever access Nova’s feed needs (such as notification access for populating the feed) in line with newer Android permission policies [45].
  • Stability and Bug Fixes: As expected, the update includes general stability improvements across the board [46]. Under-the-hood cleanup and bug fixes accumulated from the past year are rolled in, ensuring Nova remains as reliable as ever on the latest Android versions. Long-time users often praise Nova for being “butter smooth,” and this update aims to keep it that way.

It’s worth noting that these features were largely developed by Nova’s original team in earlier days, before the Branch saga halted development [47]. So while users are getting them in late 2025, they reflect the Nova team’s vision from 2024. Nonetheless, the additions – especially the Nova Now improvements – help Nova feel more up-to-date with modern Android features. One Droid-Life editor cheerfully proclaimed of the update: “This seems good. Long live Nova!” [48].

Privacy Concerns Under New Ownership

While the 8.1.3 update is largely positive for functionality, it does raise a critical question: with the original team gone, can Nova Launcher still be trusted to respect user privacy and data? This concern loomed large ever since Nova was acquired by Branch, a company whose core business is analytics and user engagement tracking. Nova Launcher inherently has access to sensitive parts of your phone’s interface (home screen layouts, the apps you open, search queries in Nova search, etc.), so privacy-conscious users worry what Branch might do with that data.

Former Nova developers themselves are sounding alarms. “Nobody in the original Nova Launcher team works at Branch Metrics anymore,” wrote ex-Nova developer Rob Wainwright on Nova’s Discord community, “and while the majority of changes in this update were built by the original team over a year ago, we can’t make any promises regarding data collection or analytics.” [49] In other words, the people who made Nova great are no longer there to vouch for what the app might silently be doing in the background. This frank warning suggests that Branch could potentially instrument Nova with new telemetry or data-gathering tools in the future – or perhaps they already have – and users should be mindful of that possibility.

So far, there’s no specific evidence that Nova 8.1.3 has introduced any nefarious tracking. It appears to be the same codebase as before (just finally released). But it’s telling that Wainwright and others explicitly highlight analytics as an unknown. Branch’s lack of communication doesn’t inspire confidence either. As Android Authority noted, the APK wasn’t even posted on Nova’s own site as usual, and one former team member dryly commented, “We’re unsure if those in charge of the website know they are supposed to publish APKs on there.” [50] The impression is that Nova Launcher is now an orphaned project within Branch, being minimally tended by whoever is left, with little transparency.

What should users do? Privacy experts advise caution. If you continue to use Nova, take a moment to review its permissions and settings after this update. For example, Nova’s new search history feature can be toggled off if you don’t want the app storing your queries [51]. You might also disable Nova’s access to usage data or notification content if those aren’t features you use. Tech writers note that anytime an app changes ownership or developers, it’s wise to audit what data it’s accessing – especially an app like Nova that has deep ties into feeds, search, and media on your phone [52]. The Nova Now feed in particular may pull in personal data (calendar events, weather for your location, music info), so double-check what you’ve allowed it to access. As one report put it, users should be “mindful of reviewing app permissions and in-app privacy settings after any ownership or custodianship transfer” of a product like this [53]. In short, enjoy Nova’s new features, but keep an eye on your data.

Nova’s Future – and a Changing Android Launcher Landscape

Now that Nova Launcher has gotten this unexpected reprieve, however small, where does it go from here? Unfortunately, all signs still point to an uncertain (and likely finite) future. By the admission of Nova’s own past developers, the 8.1.3 update is probably just the last bit of work they completed long ago – not a sign that Branch will resume active development [54]. Android Authority bluntly concluded that it “may be one of Nova Launcher’s final official releases,” surprise update notwithstanding [55]. The lack of any official roadmap or communication from Branch reinforces the feeling that Nova is in maintenance mode at best. One former Nova team member, Cliff Wade, even commented that to Branch’s new leadership, Nova is “just some app that they own but no longer feel they need or want” in their portfolio [56]. Without a champion inside Branch, Nova could languish with infrequent token updates or simply no further updates at all after this one.

The Android community isn’t taking Nova’s fate lying down. Loyal users have started petitions urging Branch to open source Nova Launcher so that the community can continue development, per the company’s original promise [57]. That campaign had gathered a few thousand signatures, highlighting how much Nova means to its fans. Whether Branch will ever relent is unknown – as of now, Branch has given no indication it will open up Nova’s code or sell it off, despite the public pressure. As Cliff Wade noted, it might take significant sustained community outcry to move the needle [58].

Broader trends may also be working against apps like Nova. Industry observers point out that this saga “highlights a bigger shift away from third-party launchers” on Android in recent years (as PhoneArena put it). Several factors contribute to this shift:

  • Android OS Restrictions: Each Android update has tightened security and changed how launchers work with system gestures, recent apps, and background processes. For instance, gesture navigation and new task manager behaviors introduced challenges that third-party launchers must constantly adapt to. Google’s ever-evolving requirements make it a technical uphill battle to keep launchers fully compatible [59]. Nova’s own success was partly due to very active development; once updates slow, issues accumulate as Android moves on.
  • Integrated Features in Stock Launchers: Features that once drew people to Nova (custom icon theming, Google Discover feeds, backup of layouts) are increasingly built into stock OEM launchers (Pixel Launcher, One UI, etc.) or via Android’s system (e.g. Material You theming). The gap between third-party launchers and default ones has narrowed. This reduces the general consumer demand for something like Nova, focusing it more on power users.
  • Business Viability: Many third-party launchers have struggled to monetize or faced burnout. Nova was a rare case of a sustainable business (with a paid Prime version) – yet even it ended up sold to an analytics firm. Other popular launchers like Lawnchair (an open-source Pixel-like launcher) have had intermittent development, and Niagara Launcher (known for its minimalist list-style interface) serves a niche audience. Hyperion, Smart Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and others still exist, but none have achieved Nova’s scale of user base. In short, the launcher ecosystem has thinned out, and big companies haven’t shown interest in investing heavily in them. Android’s own evolution might be “making third-party launchers more of a technical bar to reach in maintaining relevancy” [60], which is a tough reality for independent developers.

All that said, Nova Launcher isn’t dead just yet. The 8.1.3 update gives Nova’s faithful users some extra life – better compatibility with Android 14 and a few new tricks to play with. For those who’ve been using Nova for years, that’s a relief. “I’ve been using Nova for over a decade… I just want my phone to look the same forever,” one Reddit user wrote, expressing hope that Nova “never goes away or breaks” [61]. That sentiment speaks for many Nova fans who dread the day they might have to settle for a less capable launcher.

If Nova’s development truly winds down, users will have to weigh their options. Sticking with Nova as-is might be fine for a while – the app is mature, and as long as it continues to function on new Android versions, some may keep it indefinitely. Others may start exploring alternatives. Launchers like Niagara, Lawnchair, Smart Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and others are out there to fill the void. For example, Niagara offers a very different minimalist approach, while Lawnchair aims to mimic Pixel’s stock launcher with added customization. These each have their pros and cons, and none is a drop-in replacement for Nova’s extensive feature set. Nova’s depth of customization, granular controls, and reliable backup/restore have long made it a standout [62]. Replacing that won’t be easy – which is exactly why so many are rooting for Nova to somehow survive, whether through community-driven open source or Branch having a change of heart.

Conclusion: Cautious Optimism for “Long Live Nova”

The tale of Nova Launcher’s surprise update is a bittersweet one. On one hand, Nova lives to fight another day – something many thought impossible just weeks ago. The 8.1.3 update delivers real improvements and shows that the work of Nova’s passionate original team hasn’t gone entirely to waste. It’s a brief win for the Android faithful who cherish choice and customization on their devices.

On the other hand, this episode underscores the fragility of beloved apps in a changing landscape. Nova’s resurrection isn’t a full revival by any stretch; it’s more like a last spark from a fading flame. No one currently at Branch Metrics is publicly championing Nova’s future, and the update itself came quietly, derived from year-old code [63]. The message from those in the know is clear: enjoy this update, but don’t expect a grand comeback. As one report aptly put it, Nova 8.1.3 “is a small surprise for a classic Android launcher but not a full-fledged revival… it highlights the tenuousness of the project” going forward [64].

For now, Nova Launcher remains on the Play Store, functional and updated – a scenario that seemed improbable not long ago. Android enthusiasts can take heart that Nova isn’t dead yet. If you’re a Nova user, you can continue to use it on Android 14 and relish the new features delivered in 8.1.3. Just do so with eyes open: keep your launcher updated, back up your configurations, and be mindful of the app’s permissions under its new management.

Ultimately, whether Nova Launcher has a long-term future may depend on community action and Branch’s decisions in the coming months. The story isn’t over: perhaps Branch will relent to open-sourcing Nova, or perhaps an enterprising fork of Nova will emerge if it truly gets abandoned. In the meantime, this iconic launcher’s saga serves as a reminder of how much one app can mean to its users – and why the Android community rallies so passionately around the principle of control and customization. As Droid-Life’s editor wrote amid the latest update: “This seems good. Long live Nova!” [65] – a toast to an Android legend that, against the odds, is still hanging on.

Sources: Droid-Life [66] [67] [68]; Android Authority [69] [70] [71]; FindArticles [72] [73] [74]; The Verge [75] [76]; Reddit (r/Android) [77].

How to Create the Perfect Nova Launcher Home Screen Setup (Step-by-Step Tutorial) 2025
Watch this video on YouTube.

References

1. www.droid-life.com, 2. www.droid-life.com, 3. www.androidauthority.com, 4. www.androidauthority.com, 5. www.androidauthority.com, 6. www.findarticles.com, 7. www.androidauthority.com, 8. www.droid-life.com, 9. www.findarticles.com, 10. www.androidauthority.com, 11. www.androidauthority.com, 12. www.findarticles.com, 13. www.findarticles.com, 14. www.findarticles.com, 15. www.androidauthority.com, 16. www.droid-life.com, 17. teslacoilapps.com, 18. www.androidauthority.com, 19. www.droid-life.com, 20. www.droid-life.com, 21. www.droid-life.com, 22. teslacoilapps.com, 23. www.theverge.com, 24. www.droid-life.com, 25. www.androidauthority.com, 26. www.androidauthority.com, 27. www.androidauthority.com, 28. www.androidauthority.com, 29. www.androidauthority.com, 30. www.androidauthority.com, 31. www.findarticles.com, 32. www.reddit.com, 33. www.reddit.com, 34. www.reddit.com, 35. www.reddit.com, 36. www.androidauthority.com, 37. www.findarticles.com, 38. www.findarticles.com, 39. www.findarticles.com, 40. www.findarticles.com, 41. www.androidauthority.com, 42. www.droid-life.com, 43. www.droid-life.com, 44. www.droid-life.com, 45. www.androidauthority.com, 46. www.droid-life.com, 47. www.androidauthority.com, 48. www.droid-life.com, 49. www.androidauthority.com, 50. www.androidauthority.com, 51. www.androidauthority.com, 52. www.findarticles.com, 53. www.findarticles.com, 54. www.findarticles.com, 55. www.androidauthority.com, 56. www.theverge.com, 57. www.theverge.com, 58. www.theverge.com, 59. www.findarticles.com, 60. www.findarticles.com, 61. www.reddit.com, 62. www.findarticles.com, 63. www.findarticles.com, 64. www.findarticles.com, 65. www.droid-life.com, 66. www.droid-life.com, 67. www.droid-life.com, 68. www.droid-life.com, 69. www.androidauthority.com, 70. www.androidauthority.com, 71. www.androidauthority.com, 72. www.findarticles.com, 73. www.findarticles.com, 74. www.findarticles.com, 75. www.theverge.com, 76. www.theverge.com, 77. www.reddit.com

Mateusz Brzeziński

Technology News

  • ULA, Firefly, Avio and startups PLD Space, Stoke Space discuss Starship cadence and market competition
    November 3, 2025, 1:46 AM EST. At Silicon Valley Space Week, established launch providers ULA, Firefly Aerospace, and Avio SpA, alongside PLD Space and Stoke Space, discussed how to boost launch cadence and compete with SpaceX's Starship. The panel examined diversification, pricing, manufacturing efficiency, and customer demand to scale missions, while evaluating Starship's mass-lift vs. smaller launchers. Each company outlined strategies for risk, certification, and partnerships in a market moving toward reusable, high-volume launches. The discussion highlighted that cadence, cost per kilogram, and reliability will shape winners as Starship redefines the competitive landscape. The article is gated; subscribers can read the full piece.
  • Karen Hao Warns Against Empires of AI and Their Societal and Environmental Impact
    November 3, 2025, 1:34 AM EST. Journalist Karen Hao discussed her investigative reporting on AI and its social and environmental consequences, highlighting her New York Times bestseller Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI. Hao, who leads the Pulitzer Center's AI Spotlight Series, urged universities and the public to scrutinize the industry and avoid letting technology override core goals. She argued for open discussions and experimentation with AI in classrooms, and for curated task-specific models over broad, unchecked automation. Drawing on interviews with more than 250 people, including more than 90 current and former OpenAI staff, Hao noted concerns about the job market, citing a Stanford study showing a 13% employment decline in affected professions. She encouraged students to pursue areas that distinguish them from AI capabilities.
  • Ovzon Reports Sharp 9M Revenue Rise; EBITDA and EBIT Turn Positive as Backlog Surges; New Loan Frees Up Cash
    November 3, 2025, 1:32 AM EST. Ovzon, the Sweden-based satellite operator and terminal maker, says revenue for the first nine months ended Sept. 30 has doubled from a year earlier, with both EBITDA and EBIT moving into profit after losses in the prior year. The backlog climbed to SEK 1.02 billion (~$107.7 million), four times the year-ago level. Management attributed growth to its service offerings for military and public-service agencies, noting optimism after an Oct. 31 investor presentation. A new loan is reported to have freed up cash, supporting ongoing expansion and customer initiatives.
  • Europe EV Battery Housing Market to Reach US$5.7B by 2032, CAGR 10.5%
    November 3, 2025, 1:20 AM EST. Europe's EV Battery Housing market is on track to grow from US$4.0 billion in 2025 to US$5.7 billion by 2032, a 10.5% CAGR through 2025-2032, according to Persistence Market Research. The analysis blends historical data (2019-2024) with forward-looking insights on drivers, challenges, and regulatory shifts shaping the sector. Key catalysts include rising EV production, stricter emission norms, and a push for lightweight, crash-resistant materials such as aluminum and composites, enabling modular and scalable housing architectures. EU policies favor circular economy initiatives and recyclable materials, influencing design and material selection. Germany, the UK, and France are highlighted as growth hubs due to high EV penetration and policy support. The report covers competitive benchmarking, supply chain dynamics, and strategic collaborations between OEMs, battery makers, and material suppliers.
  • Jordan's DIY battery revival: self-taught mechanics repurpose spent Tesla packs for homes
    November 3, 2025, 1:16 AM EST. In Amman, a homeowner powers nearly all his electricity with a homemade energy storage system built from 20 reconditioned Tesla modules and rooftop solar. The project, a hobby for a self-taught engineer, slashes the family's electricity bill and illustrates how spent EV batteries can gain a second life. Jordan's growing fleet of EVs-about 150,000 this year-fuels a burgeoning trade where shops refurbish packs and sell them for home and mobile energy storage. With forecasts of up to 200,000 end-of-life batteries by 2035, the lack of formal recycling channels has spurred an informal sector. Initiatives like C-Hub aim to shape policies for sustainable battery management, while many mechanics learn to repair and recondition on their own due to training gaps.