Irrespective of the custom Android skin you’re running, the user experience on even thebest Android phonescan feel like a letdown if the launcher isn’t perfect. If you are a personalization enthusiast, some of our favorite custom launchers on Android may be your last hope of survival. Google’s ownPixel Launcher isn’t perfect, but it strikes a fine balance between personalization and functionality. The latest updates in Android 15 make the launcher even better with functional improvements to the app drawer.
10 best Android launchers in 2025
Which launcher experience do you prefer?
Pixel Launcher isn’t flawless, but it is synonymous with the stock Android experience, and several custom launchers try to mimic that look and feel too. The current versions of the launcher make it easy to find apps you’re looking for with minimal effort. If you have the Google Search bar at the bottom of the screen, you can tap it once and type out an app name, or, you can swipe up on your home screen to open the alphabetized app drawer. Diving into the launcher settings reveals the Pixel Launcher has an option underHome settings→ Search settings → Swipe up to start search, to summon the Search bar with the keyboard when you swipe up on your home screen.
A new sub-menu with new possibilities
Screenshots from Android 15 DP2 reveal a new Pixel Launcher settings page
The option saves you a few taps and provides swift access to the search bar with a simple gesture. The toggle makes sense under theSearch settingssub-menu, but Android expertMishaal Rahman spotteda change in the latestAndroid 15 Developer Preview 2(DP2) build. TheSwipe up to start searchtoggle is now located under a newApps list settingssub-menu inHome settings.
However, it doesn’t make much sense to create a new sub-menu for just one toggle. Rahman says Google may eventually update this new settings page to include a newShow long app namesoption to display the app name using two lines in the search results as well as the app drawer. Although this isn’t a novel setting and is easily found in custom launchers, Pixel Launcher just trims the app names longer than nine characters.
Hopefully, that option is included in an upcoming Android 15 release, because it would make the Pixel Launcher feel more contemporary. Also, it’s never fun to guess app names when you haven’t used them in a long time. Android 15 is filled with several other minor improvements, and sure seems like an exciting release to look forward to.
Android 15 DP2 arrives ahead of next month’s open beta: Here’s what’s new
Better satellite connectivity and NFC. plus more apps for the cover screen on flip-style foldables
