Breaking News: Tech titan Marques Brownlee is pulling the plug on his wallpaper app, Panels. It's a move that's sure to stir up discussions in the tech community! The app, launched in September 2024, offered users a subscription service for mobile wallpapers, but it's now set to close its doors on December 31st.
Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD to his massive audience of over 20 million YouTube subscribers, is known for his insightful (and sometimes critical) reviews of new tech. His foray into the app world with Panels was met with both excitement and, at times, skepticism.
Panels allowed users to access a variety of digital wallpapers for their devices for a monthly fee, starting at $11.99 (or £9). The app initially saw success, even topping download charts and racking up 2 million wallpaper downloads. But, as Brownlee himself acknowledged, the app ultimately couldn't sustain itself.
"We made mistakes in making our first app and ultimately we weren't able to turn it into the vision that I had had," he admitted in a recent video. He had hoped Panels would become a vibrant ecosystem for wallpapers and a way to support the artists who design them. But the app's niche appeal and audience proved to be a challenge.
But here's where it gets controversial... Brownlee had previously acknowledged the app's limited appeal, responding to criticism shortly after its launch. He stated, "The target market for this is insanely small. Most people don't download a wallpaper app."
The good news? Users will be able to keep the wallpapers they've already downloaded. They'll also receive refunds for any active subscriptions after the app closes. And, in a move that could spark even more creativity, the code behind Panels will be open-sourced, allowing others to build upon the foundation Brownlee created.
And this is the part most people miss... Brownlee's decision highlights the challenges of creating a successful app, even for someone with a huge platform. It's a reminder that even the most popular creators face setbacks.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think the subscription model for wallpapers was the right approach? Let us know in the comments! Did you use the app? Were you a fan?
