Nova Launcher Has a New Lease On Life, and That Probably Means Ads Are Coming

Nova Launcher is back under new ownership, promising updates and stability—but ads may arrive in the free version.
Matilda
Nova Launcher Has a New Lease On Life, and That Probably Means Ads Are Coming
Nova Launcher Revival Brings Hope—and Ads After months of uncertainty, Nova Launcher—the beloved Android home screen replacement—is officially getting a second chance. But there’s a catch: ads could soon appear in the free version. Credit: Google In January 2026, Swedish tech firm Instabridge announced it has acquired Nova Launcher from Branch, the company that previously took over after original developer Kevin Barry was sidelined in late 2024. The move ends fears that the iconic launcher would fade into obsolescence. Yet, as Instabridge seeks to build a “sustainable business model,” users are bracing for changes—including potential ad integration in the free tier. For millions who rely on Nova for its speed, customization, and clean interface, this revival is welcome news. But how much will the experience change? And is an ad-supported model worth the trade-off for continued development? Why Nova Launcher Matters to Android Power Users Nova Launcher has long been the gold standard for And…