Since the emergence of Marques Brownlee, known affectionately as MKBHD, and his critique of the latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the buzz surrounding Panels has gripped the populace. For those uninitiated, MKBHD introduced the video by sharing insights into his year-long venture on a new wallpaper app, now available for download.
As an individual who gravitates towards apps like Zedge and Backdrops for free wallpapers, the prospect of a third option for both Android and iOS users had me quite intrigued. After all, who doesn’t wish to adorn their device with aesthetic visuals?
However, upon installing Panels and experimenting with its features, the realization dawned on me that this may not be the ideal wallpaper app. Evidently, many others shared similar sentiments, as articulated in the comments section of Marques’ recent video. Alas, it appears there are significant issues plaguing the app.
Watch Two Ads for One SD Wallpaper
The application boasts a simple interface, devoid of distractions, a feature I found commendable. Post selecting five distinct artists promising varied art styles for your lockscreen, the app promptly transports you to its homepage. Notably, there is no mandatory sign-in via Google, a welcome aspect. Nevertheless, the positives seem to culminate at this juncture.
Ahead of delving into the subscription details, an area I typically eschew given my inclination towards free wallpapers, I swiftly navigated to this section. Essentially, wallpapers sans the premium ‘crown’ are complimentary. The caveat? One must “Watch 2 ads to unlock SD.” A rather convenient stipulation, wouldn’t you agree?
The term SD, or Standard Quality, restrains users to 1080p wallpapers. Following a minute of enduring advertisements, one gains access to wallpapers reminiscent of Google Images’ offerings. As a longtime patron of 4K wallpapers, the rapid decline in quality evoked a sense of dismay. How does one procure full-resolution images under such circumstances?
Is MKBHD Going Broke Because That Pricing Is Absurd
The absence of a one-time payment alternative is equally disheartening. Judging by the annual subscription fee, contemplating the fee for a singular app payment seems ominous, to say the least.
In Marques’ exact words, “We have a bunch of awesome artists over there that we are splitting profits with 50/50 and there’s already a ton of great collections of art and much more incoming and we have some pretty big plans for this thing so it’s starting off as a wallpaper app now, I don’t want to overpromise too much but it’s going to be pretty consistently improving over time which is part of the reason why we’re offering a subscription to support it..”
Didn’t Take Me “Over Two Weeks” to Review and Uninstall
After enduring close to 15 minutes of ads to secure a handful of lackluster wallpapers, the decision to uninstall the app felt inevitable. Another fundamental issue surfaces here. While browsing through Panels, certain wallpapers appeared AI-generated.
To my astonishment, upon inquiry about crafting unique, high-quality wallpapers through AI, Marques alluded to the artists opting for AI integration in their creative process, underscoring the user’s penchant for human touch. So, instead of harnessing Gemini or Copilot for free AI-generated imagery, users are compelled to invest substantially in someone else’s AI-generated artwork?
Furthermore, on iOS, upon app installation, an intrusive request to “track your activity across other companies and websites” raises eyebrows. A wallpaper app delving into such practices appears unwarranted. Conversely, on Android, the absence of this permission prompt strikes a discordant note. Nevertheless, a cursory perusal of the app’s page on PlayStore or App Store unveils the extensive data demands posed to users.
Panels Is Far From Being Rock Solid
While acknowledging the nobility of paying for art and supporting artists, Marques’ approach to this venture bears an air of disconnect in contemporary times. While certain individuals may exhibit a willingness to financially back the app, my conscience balks at such a prospect.
Interestingly, it came to light that Panels is an older wallpaper app introduced back in 2024, as highlighted by AppleLeaker on X. Ultimately, Panels stands as a rebranded wallpaper app with Marques’ name emblazoned on it, quite literally.
If Marques were to proffer an appraisal of his app for a video, its fate might mirror that of the Rabbit R1 or Fischer. What are your thoughts on MKBHD’s novel Panels wallpaper app? Pour out your sentiments in the comments section below!
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