https://9to5google.com/2025/09/08/nova-launcher-shutting-down/
And with that being said, if your among Samsung's Galaxy, you may or may not need a new launcher really...
A fantastic launcher replacement though in my view, is well... Lawnchair!
https://lawnchair.app/
It's the closest to a Pixel experience you'll get on a phone, without having to use a Pixel!
Comments
Disappointing
For sure. I really like the Samsung launcher, and use that on my phone, but the default "Quickstep" launcher that comes on my tablet is just no bueno. Not a fan of it at all. Nova has been okay on it, and see no need for immediate replacement, but will definitely be looking for other good options. Thanks for the one you linked above.
This is really disappointing
I used Nova Launcher when I had a Samsung S8 and loved it, it's the launcher I also recommended to my partner. I also don't like how Android is locking/preventing features and limiting freedom. I'm not sure what alternatives there are to Nova Launcher.
Nova Launcher Alternatives
There's Lawnchair (see link among thy open post.)
Another one is the Microsoft Launcher:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.launcher&hl=en-US
, and Hyperion Launcher:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=projekt.launcher&hl=en
Microsoft Launcher
How does that one compare to Nova? My major annoyance with Quickstep is the lack of orientation change, so that it only works in portrait, not landscape, and I only use the tablet in landscape. So, on Nova, I just disabled the dock, and that was that, arranged my stuff as I would have if the dock had been able to be displayed horizontally, with my most bottom row being the most important and frequently accessed stuff. That said, if one of these other launchers will behave better in landscape mode and give me a dock, I'll take it.
Just Like With The Quickstep Launcher
, the Microsoft Launcher is portrait only. Lawnchair does landscape and/or portrait out of the box.
@Trenton
Thanks. Appreciate that info.
Grab the APK
Remember: On Android, you can sideload. Just grab a version of Nova Launcher. Be careful where you get it, but places like APKMirror or APKPure are good spots.
I have a Pixel tablet that uses Nova Launcher, so might look at other alternatives just in case.
Re: Launchers & Landscape
Apologies if this has already been answered, but what is a good launcher alternative that supports landscape mode?
tunmi13
Is the Nova Launcher APK still allowed to be sideloaded? With Google doing its whole limitation on sideloading apps thing?
@Tumni
For now I'm sure you can.
For how long though, who knows at this point...
We'll have to see
I've heard google has been doing something, but best thing to do is find a new one, or if you are able to, get the executable. However, as I said, legit sources. Google Play has already rolled out a feature where it will scan the app first, before declaring whether it's safe or not. But you can't always trust what antivirus's say, so keep your guard up if you do go that route.