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Get the Pixel 2’s Launcher with bottom Search Bar on your phone now
August 15, 2025
TheGoogle Pixel 2will be here in just a few days and we’ve already seen a lot of what it’s going to offer. While the Pixel 2 isn’t radically different from its predecessor, it does feature a few noteworthy upgrades in terms of hardware and software.
With regards to the latter, you’ll find a redesigned launcher on the Pixel 2, which now includes a search bar across the bottom of the home screen. For those of you who want to get your hands on it without buying one of Google’s new phones, now you can.
The new Pixel Launcher can be downloaded and installed on any device running Android Lollipop or higher. Better yet, it’s based on an APK file that you can install just like a regular app — no root required.
The news arrives viaXDA Developers, which does note one caveat with the launcher: the Google Now panel will only work on non-Pixel devices if you install the app as a system app, meaning you’ll need root. Phones not running Oreo will also miss out on the options for enabling notification dots and changing app icon shapes. Fans have posted screenshots in the comments section over atXDA Developersshowing that basic functionality is there, though.
XDA Developersalso points to a download for the new Google Pixel Wallpaper app too. However, that app is only open to those with phones runningAndroid 8.0 Oreo. you may get the regularGoogle Wallpaper app at Google Play here.
If you’re interested in picking up the new launcher, visitXDA Developers.
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