I am wondering, What launcher are you all using and how do you trust something like that with many permissions??
I use OLauncher. Open-source. So far, so good… It’s available on F-Droid
3 Likes
I am using search-based Kiss Launcher. I trust it because it is open source and verifiable and has minimal permissions:
- read your contacts
- directly call phone numbers
- read phone status and identity
Those three are needed to show my contacts with all other search results and to dial them without opening the dialer app. And it’s totally unnecessary and revokeable if you want to be this way. - expand/collapse status bar
- request delete packages
- query all packages
These are obvious.
There are launchers with even less permissions tho.
1 Like
I’m using the default AOSP home launcher, mainly because I don’t see a reason to increase attack surface by using software from another provider for my homescreen.
4 Likes
I’m using Nova. It’s proprietary, but I disable its network access and don’t grant it stuff like location or network permissions. The only permissions it has are the ones to actually do its job, like managing icons, open apps, wallpaper etc.
I wish I could stick with the default or a FOSS launcher, but they just don’t feel good to use for me as much as Nova does.
Jordan has a good point of using the default launcher to reduce attack surface.
If the default works for you, then there’s no need to worry about using something else.
2 Likes
I used to use Olauncher, Unlauncher, Lawnchair. So many…
Right now I just use One UI (the default for Samsung). I keep switching on between many launchers so I just stuck with my default. I have internet disabled for it and like @Jordan said, there is no point to use another and increase the attack surface.
2 Likes
After Nova was sold to Branch, I tried different launchers, but at the end Ruthless Launcher won. It’s really similar to Nova, no trackers.
Still works well for me 
No internet access, no BS permissions, fast, reliable.
