MKBHD heard you: there are changes coming to the Panels background app

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has to be one of the most respected and popular voices in mobile technology – so it was a rude awakening a few weeks ago when the internet collectively turned against him following the release of his subscription-based wallpaper app Panels for iOS and Android. Rather than resist the tide, Brownlee quickly addressed the criticism publicly and promised to do better. In a new video released today, the creator explains what will change for panels in the future.

Adding a new wallpaper to your phone can be a quick and fun way to keep it looking fresh. That’s why we understand the desire to always have access to the latest new designs – which is exactly why we present our own Wallpaper Wednesday every week to get you excited. Here you’ll find some great options to try out. While you receive these Android Authority Brownlee decided to charge $12 per month or $50 per year for full access to the panel wallpapers.

That pricing probably would have been controversial enough, but concerns about the sweeping, privacy-compromising permissions the app was requesting have really increased the resistance to Panels.

In his latest video, Brownlee takes a step back and first tries to explain why he started this project in the first place. One of the first missteps he admits is that Panels should have always been a free app in the first place. In the future, you can browse 1080p wallpapers for free without the annoying ads of before. Higher resolution options can also be unlocked by choosing to watch an ad.

Would you rather not see this type of advertising at all? Panels Plus subscriptions are now available in two tiers and for just $2 per month you can get all full resolution wallpapers without ads. In addition to these unique wallpapers, the app offers collections of wallpapers by individual artists that can be purchased a la carte for a few dollars. However, if you prefer to unlock all collections at once, the higher tier unlimited Panels Plus subscription is for you. This is the same as the old price of $12 per month or $50 per year.

When it comes to permissions and privacy, Brownlee admits that his team made the mistake of telling app stores that Panels might be interested in a lot more access than the app actually currently uses, and that there really wasn’t a need for it to be regulated generally. This is reportedly being fixed now.

Brownlee also addresses a lot of criticism he’s heard about the app itself as software, and changes are already being made – like the way it now flags AI-generated or manipulated content. If you’re a fan of Marques, you should definitely check it out because it seems clear that he really cares and listens to your thoughts on how to make panels better.

What do you think about this whole controversy? Has MKBHD finally sorted things out, or are you still harboring bad feelings? Let us know in the comments.