long ago opened up access to its smart system of cards via the Now uncher, which gave phones of all shapes sizes a taste of what it’s like to use stock Android. Sadly, is warning partners that its time in the ay Store is running out.

An email forwarded to Android lice describes ’s plans for the launcher. Starting sometime this quarter, the Now uncher will be removed from the ay Store. However, notes that while new users won’t be able to download it, it will “continue to support existing users of the Now uncher by updating the Search app.” The app is essentially a stalone Now app, offering similar customization information without the prime placement to the left of the home screen.

Then on h 1, the Now uncher will be removed from the Mobile Services suite, new devices utilizing it will no longer be approved. However, isn’t leaving them in the dust. A new Search uncher Services library will allow manufacturers to insert Now into their own custom launchers, meaning its adoption could actually become more widespread. eviously only a few phones used the Now uncher out of the box, says these phones can continue shipping with it, as well as any others approved before the h cutoff date.

However, this change will mostly affect Android users who turn to the Now uncher to bring some of the stock experience to their phones. ile it was never quite the same as buying a Nexus, the Now launcher is incredibly popular among Android users, with more than 50 million downloads a solid 4.3-star rating.

So what now?: ile has spelled out a clear plan for phone makers who rely on the Now uncher, it’s less clear what it intends to do for regular users. ile it’s unlikely that it will stop working, there won’t be any improvements going forward (aside from the promise of updates to the app), support will be spotty at best. It’s possible that plans to open the xel uncher to all phones (after all, the Now uncher was once only available on Nexus phones), but it’s hard to see taking away one of the main reasons to buy its flagship Android phone.