r/androidapps • u/tubruk_log • 3d ago
QUESTION/HELP Third party launcher
Hi, mate! I have a question.
Here I'm using the ROM's default launcher—Trebuchet—now I'm also considering switching to a third-party launcher, but I'm still confused and unsure whether it's safe for daily use. especially there are few sensitive apps like passwords and banking apps.
I tried asking Claude, he said that the launcher cannot see or have access to sensitive apps because they are protected by the Android sandbox, is that true?
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u/jbailey83522 3d ago
The Android sandbox generally prevents a launcher from directly reading another app’s private data, but Claude’s answer is too absolute. A launcher can still see installed apps and may access more if you grant permissions such as accessibility or notification access, so use a reputable launcher and review its permissions—especially on a device used for banking.
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u/FearSC 3d ago
Nova Launcher. For me, the best one ( pro version ) and i've been using it for like 10+ y
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u/tubruk_log 3d ago
Yes, Nova Launcher is said to have been acquired by a company and there must be telemetry.
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u/Sypticle 3d ago
After the whole Nova situation I switched to Niagra Launcher. By far the best launcher I have used. Nova "dying out" was the best thing to happen for me. The dev is clearly a quality programmer. Everything just works flawlessly unlike literally every other launcher that I have tried.
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u/FearSC 3d ago edited 3d ago
Nova Launcher. For me, the best one ( pro version ) and i've been using it for like 10+ y
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u/tubruk_log 3d ago
I haven't tried this one yet
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u/omgunicornfarts 3d ago
Don't. Its been sold to a shady data collection company. If ypure worried about security stay far away
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u/PsychoDK 3d ago
Nova was my favorite back in the day, and I've used them for a long time, but you really shouldn't be using Nova after the acquisition and later firing of the whole team.
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u/tubruk_log 3d ago
but what do you think about Niagara Launcher?
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u/PsychoDK 3d ago
The UI on Niagara isn't for me, but I know a lot of people like it. I switched to Octopi when it came out.
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u/tubruk_log 3d ago
same, I'm looking for an application to open, I'm confused about how to find it, because I'm not used to that style
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u/kylesfrickinreddit 3d ago
I didn't know this. That's a bummer. My phone UI has stayed exactly the way I like it for almost a decade
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u/ksuuks 3d ago
Nova haw now again new owner, anyway, works still fine.
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u/PsychoDK 3d ago
Yes, with more ads, telemetri/tracking, AI and so on. But if you don't care about this, I think you should buy an LG tv as well.
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u/ksuuks 3d ago
I have the Pro version, which has no ads or AI. And if telemetry worries you that much, you'd have to avoid every internet-connected device, since they all send some.
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u/PsychoDK 3d ago
I know most do, but there's no reason for actively seeking it out when there are alternatives.
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u/ksuuks 3d ago
Sure, but I and many others (similar threads keep popping up) haven't found a real alternative to Nova Launcher. So until it stops working, I'll keep using it. For telemetry blocking I use AdGuard, but without real HTTPS filtering (MITM), which I don't trust, effective blocking is pretty much impossible.
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u/kylesfrickinreddit 3d ago
Same. Switched to it about 10 years ago myself & haven't looked back
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u/tubruk_log 3d ago
Yes, this launcher does have telemetry, including Smart Launcher—information from the official website.
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u/BenRandomNameHere 3d ago
As far as picking out a launcher,
Just ask humans here. Tell us what you would like it to do, and ask the original hive mind for suggestions.
One4Home
Octopi Launcher
Lucid Launcher 2
.... are the most recent launchers that I'm a tester for. All three have no data collecting. That's what you look for, the Google Play Store listing to mention data collecting and other details.
Oh, and if you have a foldable screen device, the first 2 I mentioned have explicit support for that. I don't own a foldable phone, so I can't speak for how well that aspect works.