Marques Brownlee Addresses Pricing Issues with Panels Wallpaper App

Introduction to the Panels App by Marques Brownlee

On Friday, Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, took to YouTube to address criticisms surrounding his newly launched wallpaper app, Panels. In a candid discussion, Brownlee admitted that the team "failed on the price front" at the app's launch, acknowledging the feedback from fans on various platforms, including his YouTube channel.

Understanding the Criticism

The primary source of criticism stemmed from the app's subscription model. The premium offering, "Panels Plus," came with a hefty price tag of $11.99 per month or $49.99 annually. This subscription promised to remove ads and grant full access to a variety of wallpaper collections. Brownlee reflected on the situation, noting, "If I was reviewing this app, I would not have been very nice," highlighting the need for improvements.

Improvements in User Experience

In response to the backlash, Brownlee and his team have made significant changes to enhance the user experience:

• They eliminated in-feed ads to create a cleaner environment for users.
• All wallpapers not tied to a collection are now available in 1080p resolution for free, without advertisements.
• Users can access full-resolution wallpapers by watching a brief 30-second advertisement.

New Subscription Tiers

To address the concerns about the subscription model, Brownlee introduced a more affordable option:

• The "Panels Plus Standard" tier is now available for just $1.99 per month, which removes ads for individual wallpapers.
• The original "Unlimited" tier remains at $11.99 per month or $49.99 per year, offering complete access to collections and early access notifications for new wallpapers.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

Another significant concern raised by users was about data tracking, as indicated in the App Privacy section of the App Store. Brownlee candidly described this as "another blunder by us," admitting that the list was too broad and comprised of suggestions from their ad service, AdMob.

He clarified, "To be clear, I do not want your data," reassuring users that it is possible to utilize the app and download wallpapers without creating an account. This approach aims to create a more user-friendly environment, alleviating fears about privacy breaches.

Promising Content and Future Updates

In the over 15-minute video, Brownlee also discussed exciting future plans for the Panels app:

• Users can anticipate weekly drops every Friday featuring new art and wallpapers.
• He assured viewers that the app will focus on high-quality content, stating, "I can personally promise that the app won’t be filled with AI-generated slop."

Conclusion

The Panels app, which launched in conjunction with MKBHD’s iPhone 16 review in September, has shown a commitment to evolve based on user feedback. Through improvements and clarifications, Marques Brownlee continues to foster a transparent and user-centered approach in the development of his app. For more detailed insights, viewers can check out his full video on the MKBHD YouTube channel.