MKBHD has made its Panels wallpaper app more user-friendly | photo: MKBHD via YouTube
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), one of the most respected voices in tech, has recently come under fire for his new wallpaper app called Panels. The app launched alongside his iPhone 16 review, but quickly faced backlash over its pricing model and privacy concerns. In response, Brownlee issued a YouTube video outlining several key changes aimed at improving how the app works and addressing feedback from its audience.
The Panels app at a better price
“If I were to review this app, I wouldn’t be very nice,” admitted Brownlee, acknowledging the mistakes he made in its first release. One of the main criticisms was the cost of the app’s premium subscription, which was priced at $11.99 per month or $49.99 per year. This Panels Plus subscription gave users full access to HD wallpapers and collections, but many found the price excessive, as we previously informed you on our server.
In response, Brownlee introduced a more affordable $1.99 per month tier that removes ads from individual wallpapers and makes the app more accessible to regular users. The original subscription, now renamed Unlimited, remains at a higher price but offers additional benefits such as access to exclusive collections and early access to new wallpapers.
In addition to the price changes, Brownlee has made significant improvements to the free version of the app. In-feed ads have been removed and all non-collection wallpapers are now available in 1080p for free without having to watch ads.
The basic version of Panels is now only $2 per month | photo: MKBHD via YouTube
The application only requests necessary permissions
Users who want a higher-resolution wallpaper can do so by watching a single 30-second ad, a move designed to strike a balance between offering free usage and generating revenue. These changes aim to make the app more user-friendly and less intrusive, while supporting artists who contribute to the platform.
Another major issue that users pointed out was privacy concerns. The original version of the app required extensive permissions, including location and usage data, which many felt was unnecessary for a wallpaper app.
Brownlee explained that most of these permissions were designed by the ad network the app was using, but admitted that too many boxes were checked. This has since been fixed, with the app now only asking for the permissions it actually requires.
Brownlee emphasized that the app does not collect user data beyond what is necessary for its functionality, and assured users that they can access the wallpapers without creating an account. As for the future, Brownlee promised weekly updates to the app, including new art wallpapers every Friday.
Quality content without artificial intelligence
MKBHD has assured fans that the app will not be flooded with AI-generated content, addressing concerns about the quality of the wallpapers. The changes reflect Brownlee’s commitment to improving the app and listening to user feedback as he works to rebuild trust with his audience. With the introduction of a more affordable subscription and the elimination of intrusive ads, Panels is now better positioned to meet the needs of casual users and wallpaper enthusiasts alike.
Source: mobilizujeme.cz
