Nova Launcher is DEAD.

The loss of a legend... Change.Org Link: https://www.change.org/p/make-nova-launcher-open-source-let-the-community-continue-its-development Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/Join9to5Google Love podcasts? Try Pixelated: A 9to5Google Podcast - https://pca.st/nj4u Subscribe ► https://bit.ly/9to5G | Read full article ► https://9to5google.com/2025/09/08/nova-launcher-shutting-down/ Nova Launcher’s founder and sole developer has left: https://www.theverge.com/news/773937/nova-launcher-founder-left-kevin-barry-branch-open-source-android FTC: We use income-earning auto-affiliate links: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate Want to sponsor the next 9to5Google video? Get in touch: [email protected] ## Follow us https://www.instagram.com/9to5google/ https://twitter.com/9to5Google/ https://facebook.com/9to5Google/ Damien: https://www.threads.net/@damienwildeyt Jordan: https://twitter.com/JordanInTheKnow 🎥 Other channels 🎥 https://youtube.com/9to5Mac/ https://youtube.com/electrekco/ https://youtube.com/9to5Toys/ https://youtube.com/dronedj/ Damien's favorite gear: - Panasonic Lumix S5 II X: https://amzn.to/3Vqce8E - Panasonic 85mm f1.8: https://amzn.to/3rkwHdQ - Sigma 28-70mm f2.8: https://amzn.to/4ahsoW2 - Godox SL-60W: https://amzn.to/3exGWGA - RODE NTG-3: https://amzn.to/3iidwNu Jordan's favorite gear: - Canon R8: https://amzn.to/3URdIIN - Canon RF 50mm F1.8: https://amzn.to/3UGwIti - Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3SIO6ej - MacBook Pro 14-inch: https://amzn.to/3I6ZDPA - Godox SL-60W: https://amzn.to/3wnmUu4 - NEEWER 72 Inch Tripod: https://amzn.to/49FZqP7 Timestamps 00:00 – Nova Launcher Shutdown Announcement 00:43 – Significance in Android History 01:25 – Nova Launcher's Legacy & Features 01:52 – Acquisition by Branch 02:32 – Layoffs & Kevin Barry Left Alone 02:54 – Official End of Development 03:13 – Why Nova Was Important 04:38 – Personal Impact & Android Customization 05:18 – Culture & Community Around Nova 05:48 – Branch’s Lack of Interest & Future Uncertainty 06:06 – Community Push for Open Sourcing 06:52 – Reflections on Corporate Acquisitions 07:09 – Final Thoughts & Call for Memories