The Nova Launcher acquisition marks a new chapter for one of Android’s most beloved customization tools. In September 2025, founder Barry—the sole developer after years of corporate changes—stepped away, leaving the future of Nova Launcher uncertain. Now, Swedish firm Instabridge has taken ownership and pledged to keep the app functional and updated for modern Android versions.
Instabridge, known for its mission to “help people get online,” acquired Nova Launcher after Branch had largely abandoned active development. Branch bought the launcher in July 2022 and gradually reduced the team until only Barry remained. When he departed earlier this year, many users assumed Nova’s story had ended—until Instabridge stepped in.
The company’s immediate goal is clear: maintain stability. Instead of overhauling the interface or rushing new features, Instabridge will fix bugs, ensure compatibility with newer Android releases, and preserve Nova’s core strengths—speed and deep customization. This maintenance-first approach aims to serve long-time users who value reliability over novelty.
However, signs suggest the experience may change in other ways. Instabridge admits it is exploring a “sustainable business model” to fund ongoing development. As a result, ads could soon appear in the free version of Nova Launcher. The company may also introduce higher pricing tiers, though Nova Prime will stay ad-free.
Instabridge has lowered the price of Nova Prime to $3.99 and will honor all existing licenses. That said, the company offers no guarantee that Prime users will receive new features going forward. The team remains focused on upkeep, not innovation.
For many users, this shift feels bittersweet. Nova Launcher built its reputation on consistent performance, minimal bloat, and user-centric design. The potential introduction of ads—even if limited to the free tier—risks undermining that trust. Yet without a viable revenue stream, maintaining a complex app like Nova on evolving Android platforms becomes increasingly difficult.
Ultimately, the Nova Launcher acquisition reflects a broader challenge in the software world: how to sustain high-quality, niche tools in an era dominated by ad-driven or subscription-based models. Instabridge’s cautious stewardship may keep Nova alive—but whether it can preserve its spirit remains to be seen.
