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Marques Brownlee, widely recognized as MKBHD, is a well-known tech YouTuber with a strong emphasis on mobile technology. He recently launched a wallpaper application called Panels, available for both iOS and Android, which showcases work from actual artists rather than relying on artificial intelligence. However, the app is facing significant backlash on social media.
Brownlee made the app’s announcement on X. At the moment, his post has received about 1.6K comments, over 1.7K shares, and more than 13K likes. Despite these numbers, the overall sentiment in the comments isn’t particularly favorable.
Shortly after the announcement, Quinn Nelson, known as SnazzyLabs, and another notable YouTuber, pointed out the Panels app’s unusual request for various permissions, many of which seem unnecessary. These permissions include:
- Location
- Usage Data
- Diagnostics
- Identifiers
- Purchases
- Contact Information
- Search History
While SnazzyLabs presented his critique tactfully, many other users were less restrained. One commenter remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen MKBHD get so much heat before.”
The Panels app charges a subscription fee of $50 per year for premium access to its wallpaper library, which has contributed to a wave of dissatisfaction among users. A commenter even quipped that MKBHD “graduated from the Apple School of Pricing.”
Some fans have accused Brownlee of being disconnected due to his success, while others have expressed concerns about privacy given the extensive list of permissions the app requests. Additionally, users have reported that the app is filled with advertisements, even for those who have paid for a subscription.
One post suggested that the Panels app merely rebrands an older wallpaper app that existed before. As YouTubers often branch out beyond their platforms to explore new business opportunities, Brownlee’s approach is intriguing; however, it’s clear that it’s not hitting the mark. To improve reception, he will need to consider removing ads, lowering the subscription price, and cutting down on the permissions.
In response to the criticism, MKBHD addressed these issues in a follow-up post, thanking followers for their input and vowing to address the “excessive data disclosures.” He acknowledged the concerns around pricing but hinted that the fee would likely stay at $50 as he aims “to deliver that kind of value.” However, he mentioned that users on the free tier might see a decrease in ad frequency.
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