Screenshots
About app Action Launcher
When a Launcher Becomes a Productivity Tool
Action Launcher has carved out a distinct niche in the Android customization ecosystem. Unlike many launchers that focus solely on visual flair, this one integrates functional shortcuts that reduce the number of taps needed to access apps and widgets. The version under review, Action Launcher 3, builds on this philosophy with a few key mechanics that deserve closer examination.
The core appeal lies in how it reorganizes the home screen. Instead of relying on static folders or endless scrolling, the launcher introduces two interaction patterns: "covers" and "shutters." These are not just visual gimmicks—they fundamentally change how you interact with app icons and widgets. The result is a home screen that feels faster and more responsive, without sacrificing visual consistency.
Feature Analysis
Covers: Replace Folders with Quick-Access Shortcuts
Covers allow you to assign a primary app to a folder icon. A single tap launches that app directly, while a swipe gesture opens the folder contents. This eliminates the need to open a folder first and then tap an app. The primary app is always accessible with one tap, and the secondary apps are still just a swipe away. This mechanic is particularly useful for frequently used apps like messaging or music players, where you often want to launch the app immediately but still need access to related apps.
Shutters: Widgets on Demand
Shutters are essentially widgets that appear when you swipe up on an app icon. Rather than taking up permanent home screen space, these widgets are hidden until invoked. For example, you can set a shutter for a weather app to show the forecast, or for a music player to display playback controls. This keeps your home screen clean while still providing quick access to information. The shutter panel slides up smoothly, and you can dismiss it with a swipe down.
Quicktheme: Automatic Color Adaptation
Quicktheme analyzes your wallpaper and automatically adjusts the icon colors and accents to match. This is not a manual theme picker—it runs in the background and updates the color palette whenever you change your wallpaper. The result is a cohesive look without requiring any effort. The algorithm picks dominant colors from the wallpaper and applies them to the icons, folders, and widgets.
Lightweight Performance
Despite these features, Action Launcher 3 remains lightweight. The app size is under 10 MB, and it runs smoothly on devices with as little as 1 GB of RAM. There is no noticeable lag when opening folders or switching home screens. The launcher also supports adaptive icons and icon packs, so you can further customize the look without compromising performance.
No Ads with Turbo
The free version of Action Launcher 3 contains no advertisements. The developer offers a Turbo upgrade that unlocks additional features like extra customization options, gesture support, and backup/restore functionality. The base experience is fully functional and ad-free, which is refreshing compared to many other launchers that rely on ad revenue.
- Replace folders with one-tap app shortcuts and swipe-to-open folders.
- Hide widgets behind app icons for a cleaner home screen.
- Auto-match icon colors to your wallpaper for a unified look.
- Runs smoothly on low-end devices with minimal RAM usage.
- No ads in the free version; paid upgrade adds gestures and backups.
Consider Downloading Action Launcher Now
If you value efficiency over visual clutter, Action Launcher 3 offers a practical approach to home screen organization. The cover and shutter mechanics are not just novelties—they genuinely reduce interaction friction. We suggest trying it if you want a launcher that prioritizes speed and functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.
Heads up: you'll need wifi for most features. Some cool stuff is extra.
Information
- Version
- 52.0
- Developer
- Chris Lacy
- Size
- 17.73 MB
- Android
- Android + 5.0+
- Age
- 3+
- Package
com.actionlauncher.playstore- Signature
- 246dd945a99dcec514baca979e4a1043
- Architecture
- armeabi-v7a, x86, arm64-v8a, x86_64
- SHA-256
- 44ab5631e9e11865a0439257421be1793fcf415f1366730e65f861ec6316b97e
