Marques Brownlee Responds to Criticism Over Panels Wallpaper App
Marques Brownlee published a video on Friday addressing the criticisms surrounding Panels, his new wallpaper app, acknowledging that he and his team “failed on the price front” at launch. The app faced significant backlash from fans, both on the MKBHD YouTube channel and across various social platforms. During the discussion, Brownlee candidly admitted that the app needed improvement. “If I was reviewing this app, I would not have been very nice,” he stated.
One of the primary criticisms of Panels was the high cost of the premium “Panels Plus” subscription, which was set at $11.99 per month or $49.99 per year. This subscription was designed to remove ads and provide full access to the collections of wallpapers. In response to the feedback, Brownlee and his team are enhancing the free experience by eliminating in-feed ads and ensuring that all wallpapers not part of a collection are available in 1080p for free. Users can also obtain a full-resolution wallpaper by watching a 30-second ad.
Regarding the subscription price, Brownlee acknowledged that “even though subscriptions are incredibly unpopular,” they wanted to offer an option that appealed to “the wallpaper power user.” A new, more affordable “Panels Plus Standard” tier has been introduced at $1.99 per month, which eliminates ads on individual wallpapers. The higher “Unlimited” tier remains at $11.99 per month / $49.99 per year, retaining full access to collections and early access to new wallpapers.
Screenshots showing the different subscription tiers for the Panels Plus subscription.
Images: Panels Wallpaper Mobile App; Collage: Jay Peters / The Verge
Brownlee also highlighted concerns about data tracking by noting the lengthy list that had been included in the App Privacy section of the App Store. He admitted, “Another blunder by us. This was way too broad.” According to Brownlee, the list represented “a list of things that you as a developer provide to the App Store for things that the app may, at some point, ask,” aiming to inform users ahead of time. He acknowledged checking too many boxes.
Most of the checked boxes were due to “broad suggestions” from the app’s ad service, AdMob. “To be clear, I do not want your data,” Brownlee asserted, emphasizing that users can enjoy the app and access wallpapers without creating an account.
In the full video, which spans over 15 minutes, Brownlee covers additional details about the app, including plans for weekly drops of new art on Fridays and his personal assurance that the app will not be filled with AI-generated content.
The Panels app launched on the same day as MKBHD’s iPhone 16 review in September.
Discussion Section:
To enrich our understanding of the situation regarding Panels and its pricing strategy, we invited two experts in the field of app development and digital marketing.
Guest 1: Dr. Alice Thompson, App Developer and UX Specialist
Guest 2: Mr. James Carter, Digital Marketing Strategist
Moderator: Marques Brownlee has faced significant backlash over the pricing of the Panels app. Dr. Thompson, in your opinion, what factors should developers consider when setting subscription prices for apps?
Dr. Alice Thompson: Pricing is crucial. Developers need to balance between perceived value and user willingness to pay. Conducting market research to understand competitors and target demographics can guide appropriate pricing strategies.
Moderator: Interesting point, Dr. Thompson. Mr. Carter, how important is it for developers to listen to user feedback in real-time, specifically post-launch?
Mr. James Carter: Listening to user feedback is essential. In today’s market, users won’t hesitate to voice their dissatisfaction on social media or review platforms. Quick responsiveness not only helps in refining the product but also builds trust with the user base.
Moderator: It’s clear that the dialogue surrounding pricing is ongoing. Readers, what are your thoughts on the pricing of the Panels app? Do you think the adjustments made by Brownlee meet the needs of users? Join the conversation in the comments below!