Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, is taking a new direction in his career by stepping away from traditional reviews and embracing the role of a builder. This week, he launched Panels, a wallpaper app available on both iOS and Android. The app showcases high-quality digital wallpapers curated by various artists, giving users a unique selection for their devices.
However, there’s a notable catch: to enjoy the full experience of high-resolution wallpapers without interruptions from ads, users are required to subscribe. The pricing is set at around $50 per year or $12 per month, which some may find steep for a wallpaper app.
While the concept of a curated wallpaper app is appealing, the subscription model has sparked debate among users about its value. Many may wonder if the exclusive content and quality justify the cost, particularly in a market saturated with free wallpaper options.
MKBHD’s Launch of Panels App Comes with High Expectations Amid Influential Reputation
With nearly 20 million subscribers on YouTube, Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, wields significant influence in the tech world. His tech reviews are so powerful that they’ve been linked to the downturn of highly anticipated companies like Fisker and Humane. After posting negative reviews about their products, critics blamed him for their respective failures. However, these accusations overlook the reality: Fisker faced severe security issues with its cars, while Humane’s Ai Pin struggled to deliver functionality despite a hefty $230 million in funding before its product launch.
Given Brownlee’s esteemed reputation as a discerning tech reviewer, expectations were sky-high when he announced the launch of his wallpaper app, Panels. Fans anticipated a groundbreaking app that would leverage his expertise in curation and design. However, the recent launch has left some users feeling underwhelmed, especially considering the subscription model and pricing structure. As a builder stepping into the app world, Brownlee’s move has sparked discussions about whether his new venture can live up to the standards set by his acclaimed reviews.
Panels App by MKBHD Shows Promise But Faces Criticism Over Pricing
The Panels app boasts a compelling concept that taps into the aesthetic desires of tech enthusiasts. Known for his eye-catching wallpapers that enhance the devices he reviews, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has created a platform that caters to the demand for stylish digital backgrounds. As he highlighted during the app’s announcement, a standard Google search query was “Where does MKBHD get his wallpapers?” This demonstrates a strong interest in curated, high-quality images that complement high-end technology and personal styles.
Timely Launch and Market Demand
Timing also plays to Brownlee’s advantage. With Apple’s recent iOS 18 update emphasizing lock screen and home screen customization, users are actively seeking high-resolution wallpapers that can enhance their devices’ visual appeal. This creates a ripe market for the Panels app, which aims to deliver exactly that. As more users explore the customization options available to them, the demand for unique and high-quality wallpapers is likely to grow. Brownlee’s reputation as a tech guru only amplifies the app’s potential reach; his followers trust his taste and expertise, making them more inclined to explore the app.
Pricing Structure Draws Criticism
However, the app’s pricing structure has drawn criticism. While users can access the app for free and download lower-resolution images by watching two 30-second ads per image, many feel that this approach resembles a cash grab—something that Brownlee himself would typically criticize. The subscription model, priced at around $50 per year or $12 per month, may deter potential users who were hoping for a more accessible option.
The subscription model raises questions about value. Users who are accustomed to free alternatives or lower-cost wallpaper apps may balk at the price, especially when they can find similar offerings elsewhere without a financial commitment. This pricing could alienate a segment of his audience that appreciates his content but is not ready to invest significantly in an app, leading to disappointment among fans who expected a product that aligns with Brownlee’s reputation for quality and integrity in the tech space.
In addition to its pricing, the Panels app presents a user interface that reflects MKBHD’s aesthetic sensibilities. The design is clean and visually appealing, which aligns with the preferences of tech enthusiasts. Users can browse various curated wallpapers, which helps streamline the often overwhelming experience of finding high-quality images online.
However, for those willing to pay, the app offers exclusive access to high-resolution wallpapers that promise to elevate the look of any device. High-resolution images can make a significant difference, especially for users who prioritize visuals in their daily tech interactions. The allure of having personalized, standout wallpapers handpicked by a trusted figure in tech can be appealing enough for some users to consider subscribing despite the higher cost.
Ultimately, the launch of Panels represents a significant step for MKBHD as he transitions from tech reviewer to app developer. It showcases its entrepreneurial spirit and desire to innovate within the tech space. However, for the app to gain traction and truly succeed, Brownlee and his team may need to reconsider their pricing strategy or explore alternative monetization methods, such as offering a freemium model with more appealing perks or discounts for long-term subscribers.
As the app landscape becomes increasingly competitive, especially in the realm of digital wallpapers, adapting to user feedback will be crucial for Panels’ success. MKBHD’s extensive influence can’t be understated, and if he can align the app more closely with his community’s expectations and budget considerations, Panels could become a staple for many smartphone users seeking that perfect wallpaper. The challenge will be maintaining the balance between quality content and affordability while ensuring the app delivers on its promise of aesthetic enhancement for devices.
MKBHD’s Panels App: A Mixed Bag for Artists and Users Alike
Marques Brownlee, or MKBHD, has made waves with his recently launched wallpaper app, Panels, which aims to support digital artists during a time when generative AI poses a significant threat to traditional art markets. By curating high-quality digital wallpapers, Brownlee is attempting to establish a new income stream for artists, splitting payments 50-50 with them. This means that if a user purchases a wallpaper for around $8, the artist will receive approximately $2.80 after Apple’s 30% cut. Given the current digital landscape, where finding high-resolution photography online is easy, Brownlee’s initiative could potentially create a market for artwork that users aren’t used to paying for. For many, the notion of compensating artists directly for their work is a refreshing change, and if anyone has the clout to make it happen, it’s a tech influencer like Brownlee.
Supporting Artists in a Changing Landscape
In recent years, artists have faced increasing challenges due to the rise of generative AI and the prevalence of free digital content. By providing a platform where users can purchase curated wallpapers, Brownlee aims to create a viable income stream for artists who might otherwise struggle to monetize their work. If Panels can successfully attract users willing to pay for digital art, it could empower artists to earn passive income and ensure their craft is valued in an increasingly crowded digital marketplace.
However, some users remain skeptical about the viability of the model, especially considering that many people have grown accustomed to accessing high-quality images for free. The challenge lies in convincing potential users to pay a subscription fee akin to Spotify for something they might otherwise find without charge. While the intention behind Panels is noble, the execution must align with user expectations and perceived value.
Despite the app’s positive intentions, concerns surrounding data privacy quickly surfaced. Users noticed that Panels could potentially track location, usage data, and personal identifiers across other apps and websites, raising alarms about how their data might be used. In response to this backlash, Brownlee took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the situation.
“The first thing we’re doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we’d never actually ask for your location, internet history, etc. The data disclosures (that everyone is screenshotting) are likely too broad and largely driven by what the ad networks suggest. Working to fix that ASAP,” he wrote.
He also mentioned plans to reduce the frequency of ads in the app’s free version, aiming to make the user experience more palatable while addressing privacy concerns.
User Experience and Accessibility
While Panels does offer users the ability to access cool new wallpapers for free, the lower-resolution images may not meet the expectations of many users. Those looking for high-quality visuals might find that the free version falls short, necessitating the use of Apple’s filters to enhance the images. The challenge remains convincing users to pay a monthly subscription fee when free alternatives are readily available.
Brownlee emphasized that part of his journey with Panels involves building in public, akin to the feedback process he experiences with his YouTube videos. “Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope,” he noted. This approach allows him to iterate and improve the app based on user input, which could ultimately lead to a more refined product.
Early Success and Future Outlook
Despite the initial criticisms, Panels has seen impressive early traction. According to app intelligence firm Appfigures, the app is currently ranked 1 in the Photo & Video category in the iOS App Store across multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. Excluding gaming apps, it holds the 4 spot in Canada and 9 in the U.S. This early success suggests that there is interest in the app, even if some users are hesitant about the subscription model.
Moving forward, Brownlee’s ability to balance artist support with user expectations will be crucial in determining the long-term success of Panels. As he continues to address concerns regarding data privacy and user experience, the app may evolve into a compelling platform that not only promotes digital art but also navigates the complexities of monetization in the digital age. In an era where attention to data privacy and user experience is paramount, Brownlee’s responsiveness to feedback may ultimately shape the trajectory of Panels and solidify his position as a creator who genuinely cares about artists and users.
