Instabridge Acquires Nova Launcher: A New Chapter for the Android Customization Icon

The Android customization community has been waiting for clarity on Nova Launcher's future for years. Now, that clarity has arrived in the form of an acquisition. Instabridge, a Swedish company known for its Wi-Fi sharing and connectivity products, has purchased Nova Launcher from its previous owners, promising to keep the launcher alive and actively maintained.

This move ends a period of stagnation that has frustrated Nova's dedicated user base. For years, Nova Launcher has been the gold standard for Android power users who want deep customization without sacrificing performance. Its acquisition by a company with a different core business raises both questions and opportunities about what comes next.

The Acquisition Details

Instabridge is not a typical player in the Android launcher space. The company's primary focus has been on helping people get online, with apps that share Wi-Fi passwords and provide connectivity tools used by millions worldwide. Their acquisition of Nova represents a strategic expansion into a different type of user utility.

The immediate message from Instabridge is one of stewardship rather than transformation. "Nova is not shutting down," the announcement states, with an immediate focus on keeping the launcher "stable, compatible with modern Android, and actively maintained." This addresses the core anxiety that has built up in the community as updates became sporadic and the app's future seemed uncertain.

What Changes and What Doesn't

Instabridge has outlined several principles for their approach to Nova:

Performance and customization remain central. The company acknowledges that Nova's identity is built on speed, flexibility, and user control. Any future development will be evaluated against these criteria.

Bug fixes and Android compatibility take priority. Rather than rushing new features, the initial focus will be on maintaining the launcher's existing functionality and ensuring it works properly with current and future Android versions.

Community feedback will be collected but not necessarily solicited. The company plans to monitor Reddit, Play Store reviews, email, and other channels, though they note they won't be able to respond to every post. A dedicated support channel is promised soon.

The Business Model Question

Perhaps the most significant uncertainty revolves around Nova's business model. Instabridge has been transparent about the need for "a sustainable business model to support ongoing development and maintenance." This is the fundamental challenge facing any software product that has been offered as a one-time purchase or free with optional upgrades.

The company is evaluating multiple options, including paid tiers and other approaches. They've explicitly mentioned ad-based options for the free version, while promising that Nova Prime will remain ad-free for existing users. Their stated principles include keeping the experience "clean and fast" and avoiding "disruptive formats."

This approach mirrors a common pattern in software acquisition: the acquiring company needs to generate revenue to justify the investment, but must balance that against the product's established user expectations. Nova's community has historically been resistant to advertising and aggressive monetization.

Existing Users and Pricing

Instabridge has committed to honoring existing Nova Prime purchases, with Prime features continuing to work for current users. The company also addressed recent pricing changes, noting that the price of Nova Prime increased shortly before the transfer to their account. They've now reset the price to $3.99 USD and apologized for the timing confusion.

This pricing reset suggests an awareness of community sentiment and a desire to establish goodwill. However, the company also notes that they may "evaluate other pricing options or tiers" as they develop a long-term model, promising clear communication ahead of any changes.

The Open Source Question

One of the most frequently asked questions in the Nova community has been about open sourcing the launcher. Instabridge acknowledges this matters to many users and states they are "actively evaluating" the possibility. However, they caution that open sourcing involves complex considerations around licensing, security, build tooling, contribution workflows, and trademark stewardship.

No decision has been made yet, but the company promises transparency once they reach a conclusion. This careful approach suggests that open sourcing is not a simple yes/no question but requires substantial planning to execute properly.

Privacy and Data Collection

Instabridge has committed to keeping data collection "minimal and purpose driven" and being clear about what is collected and why. They explicitly state they do not sell personal data. This is particularly relevant given Instabridge's core business involves connectivity tools that typically require some level of network and location data.

The Broader Context

This acquisition represents a broader trend in the Android ecosystem. As Google continues to develop its own launcher and customization options, third-party launchers face increasing pressure. Nova's acquisition by a company with a different revenue model might actually provide more stability than remaining in a stagnant state.

The launcher market has seen significant consolidation in recent years, with many smaller developers struggling to maintain their apps against Android's constant changes. Nova's survival now depends on Instabridge's ability to balance commercial needs with the product's established identity.

What Comes Next

Instabridge's approach appears deliberate and measured. They emphasize "moving deliberately" and prioritizing "quality over rushing features out the door." This is a necessary stance for any product with a passionate user base that has been through years of uncertainty.

The real test will come in the months ahead as Instabridge begins implementing their vision. Will they maintain Nova's performance-focused approach? Can they introduce a sustainable business model without alienating the core community? How will they handle the inevitable tension between user expectations and commercial realities?

For now, Nova Launcher has what it has lacked for years: a clear owner with a stated commitment to its future. The acquisition announcement provides a foundation for stability, but the work of building trust and delivering on promises begins now. The community will be watching closely, not just for what changes, but for what remains the same.

Instabridge Official Website Nova Launcher on Google Play Original Announcement on Reddit