In September 2025, Barry, the mastermind behind Nova Launcher, stepped away. This raised concerns about the future of the beloved Android launcher. Luckily, Instabridge, a Swedish company, has taken over, vowing to maintain its legacy.
Previously, Nova Launcher was acquired by Branch in July 2022. After that, updates and support dwindled until Barry decided to leave. Many worried the app might disappear altogether. But Instabridge, which aims to help people get online, saw value in Nova and swooped in to save it.
Instabridge’s goal is to keep Nova Launcher functional with regular maintenance. They don’t plan a major redesign. Instead, they want to address bugs and enhance performance, ensuring it runs well on modern Android devices. They emphasize quality over speed when it comes to new features.
However, recent rumors suggest that ads might be on the horizon for the free version of Nova. As Instabridge seeks a sustainable business model, users are concerned about this potential change. They may also introduce pricing tiers, but they promise that Nova Prime will remain ad-free and its price has dropped to $3.99. Existing Prime users will still retain their licenses, although future updates are uncertain.
Moreover, Instabridge has quietly enabled Facebook and Google Ads tracking within Nova Launcher. This raises eyebrows and hints at an impending ad rollout.
For longtime fans of Nova, it’s reassuring to know the app will continue, though it may soon come with ads or a higher subscription fee.
Insights and Trends
User reactions on social media reveal mixed feelings about this transition. Many users express hope that Nova will maintain its reputation, while others are wary of the potential introduction of ads. A recent survey highlighted that 68% of users prefer ad-free experiences, indicating a significant challenge for Instabridge.
As we look at historical trends in app monetization, many beloved platforms have struggled when switching to ad-based models. This could serve as a cautionary tale for Instabridge as they navigate their new ownership of Nova Launcher.
For more details on app acquisition and user preferences in tech, you can check out this research study.
In summary, Nova Launcher is under new management, and while its future seems secure for now, changes on the horizon could reshape the user experience.
