A surprise beta update to Nova Launcher, a widely used Android customization tool, has offered users fleeting hope for its revival, quickly tempered by former developers who clarified the changes are over a year old and signal no long-term future for the application.
The version 8.1.3 update appeared this week on the Google Play Store’s beta channel, prompting discussions on the Nova Launcher subreddit where user “colinaspinall” first noted its release. This update was unexpected, as the launcher was widely believed to be permanently discontinued last month.
However, former developer Rob Wainwright soon provided crucial context via Discord. He stated that no members of the original Nova Launcher team currently work at Branch Metrics, the company that acquired the app in 2022.
Wainwright explained that while most changes in this update were indeed created by the original team, they were developed more than a year ago. He also cautioned users, stating no promises could be made regarding data collection or analysis.
This indicates the update is a release of previously completed work rather than a sign of active new development. The updated version has not yet appeared on Nova Launcher’s stable release channel or official beta website.
The 8.1.3 update introduces several features and updated compatibility with newer Android versions, according to Google Play Store release notes. These include color customization for Nova Now and a permission request card that appears upon its first use.
Users can now save and search web search history directly within the launcher, though this feature can be disabled. Card interfaces have also been revamped, featuring a redesigned Media Card, a new Weather Card, and an updated Calendar Card.
Updated integration for Spotify is also included, though specific details were not provided in the release notes.
Despite the update, some Reddit users reported that version 8.1.3 was not immediately appearing for everyone, even those enrolled in the Google Play Store beta program. The APK file for manual installation has also not been uploaded to Nova Launcher’s official website.
Wainwright further noted his uncertainty regarding whether the current individuals responsible for the website are aware they should publish APKs there.
Nova Launcher’s founder, Kevin Barry, was the last original team member working on the app after Branch Metrics acquired it. He had also departed the company by September 2025, signaling the complete turnover of the original development team.
This unexpected update, while bringing some improvements, is unlikely to alter the long-term prospects of the popular Android launcher, given the lack of current original team involvement.