Recently, MKBHD unveiled his new wallpaper app, which faced criticism from users due to its pricing model and ads. In response to the backlash, the popular YouTuber addressed the concerns on X platform, but it did not have the desired effect.
Part of building in public is receiving immediate feedback, similar to posting a YouTube video.
Our first action is rectifying the excessive data disclosures that were rightfully criticized. For transparency, we would never actually ask for…
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) September 24, 2024
The app has now been updated to be more user-friendly, as reported by The Verge. However, there has been no change to its pricing structure, which some fans find too high for a wallpaper app in an era where high-quality images are readily available for free.
Previously, Panels users had to subscribe for $11.99 per month ($49.99 per year) to access images in full resolution. While there is a free tier, it required users to watch ads before downloading standard-definition wallpapers. This requirement has been removed, allowing users to download standard wallpapers without interruptions.
Panels has also eliminated ads from its wallpaper discovery page and introduced more artwork options. These changes are positive steps, but the pricing remains a major concern for many users. The monthly subscription costs $70 more per year than the annual payment, leading some to view the project as more of a profit-driven endeavor than a platform for quality content.
Despite the criticism, MKBHD expressed his commitment to delivering value for the premium version. While the pricing may not change, justifying the cost with sufficient value in a wallpaper app remains a challenge.
