14 DAY TRIAL // Google released the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones with Pixel Launcher on board last fall, but users can install the APK for the launcher on their phones. This isn’t the only launcher from the tech giant, as Google Now launcher has been featured on many Android smartphones since it was made generally available in 2014.
According to a recent report by Android Police, Google intends to discontinue the Google Now Launcher and stick with just the Pixel Launcher. Google has apparently alerted GMS partners of its decision to remove the Google Now Launcher from the Play store by the end of March.
Users who have Google Now Launcher installed on their phones will be able to continue using it even after the app is removed from the Play Store. Google intends to support the launcher and push out updates via the Google Search app.
Pixel Launcher might be made available to more Android phones
Starting March 1, Google will no longer approve new devices that use Google Now Launcher, but that won’t affect manufacturers like Motorola, who have Google Now Launcher as a default option on their devices. Smartphone makers will be able to integrate Google Now cards and any other Google services in their launchers.
The move isn’t surprising considering that Google has shifted away from the Nexus line and hasn’t put much focus on Google Now Launcher lately. Most likely, Google will start making the Pixel Launcher available to non-Pixel devices, as it will gradually replace Google Now Launcher on Android smartphones. This is simply a probability, but as Google Now Launcher was exclusive to Nexus smartphones at first and then made available to other Android phones, the Pixel Launcher could take the same route.
In the past year, Google has started focusing more on its proprietary apps, especially with the introduction of Allo and Duo. The two Android applications are available in the Play Store and aim at replacing Hangouts, while competing with major apps in terms of messaging and video calls.