Marques Brownlee, a prominent tech influencer known as MKBHD, has acknowledged significant missteps in launching his new wallpaper app, Panels. 

In a video released on October 11, Brownlee addressed the widespread criticism the app has received since its debut.

“We failed on the price front,” Brownlee stated, referring to the initial premium “Panels Plus” subscription, which was priced at $11.99 monthly or $49.99 annually. This tier offered ad removal and full access to wallpaper collections.

In response to user feedback, Brownlee’s team is implementing several changes to improve the app’s value proposition. These include:

1. Eliminating in-feed ads in the free version
2. Providing 1080p resolution for non-collection wallpapers at no cost
3. Introducing a new “Standard” subscription tier at $1.99 per month

The original higher-priced tier, now labeled “Unlimited,” remains available for what Brownlee describes as “wallpaper power users.”

Brownlee also addressed concerns about data tracking, attributing an overly broad App Store privacy list to “broad suggestions” from their ad service, AdMob. 

“To be clear, I do not want your data,” he stated, noting that users can access wallpapers without creating an account.

Additional app features include weekly Friday drops of new art and a commitment to avoid AI-generated content. “I can personally promise that the app won’t be filled with AI-generated slop,” said Brownlee.

The Panels app launched concurrently with MKBHD’s iPhone 16 review in September. Brownlee’s candid discussion of the app’s shortcomings spans over 15 minutes in the full video, where he elaborates on various aspects of the app and its development.