The launcher on Android 4.0 is quite nice when compared to what Google was shipping before. If there is one complaint, it's that the stock launcher is a little light on features. But that's what custom home screen replacements are for, right? We took a look at Apex Launcher when it first came out and were impressed with the initial release. Now Apex Launcher Pro has appeared, bringing with it even more customization.

Apex Launcher Pro comes with all the goodies from the free version, like a customizable grid, scrollable dock, transition effects, and locking the desktop. The Pro app fills in some of the gaps with features including:

  • Multiple configurable drawer tabs
  • Unread count notifications
  • Dock swipe gestures
  • Two finger gestures
  • More transition effects
  • Batch add option for folders
  • Option to merge folder contents
  • Widgets in dock (1x1 only)
  • Overlapping widgets
  • More features on the way!

I'm particularly interested in the configurable app drawer tabs and widgets in the dock. Some of the limitations with the free version still apply here. For instance, you can only get widgets in the drawer if you are rooted. This is just an unlocker app, not a full app of its own. That means you will need to keep the free Apex Launcher installed when you buy the Pro key. Be aware, a restart of the home screen might be required to make the upgrade take.

Apex Launcher is going for $3.99 in the Play Store, which is in-line with similar ICS-themed replacement home screens like Nova Launcher.