MKBHD is gradually working to fix issues in the Panels app.

The recent emergence of the wallpaper app called Panels, created by popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), sparked significant online controversy. Despite his renown, the public's reaction was adverse when the app requested an excessive amount of permissions and offered a significantly high subscription price.

In the face of a torrent of criticism, Brownlee chose a calm response, explaining his intention to make adjustments based on user feedback. In a 15-minute video, he outlined the modifications he planned to implement to address the expressed concerns. He acknowledged that the app should have been free from the start, a valid point considering there are multiple alternatives for downloading wallpapers, most of which do not charge. Although Panels may have appealing wallpapers, aesthetic quality alone does not justify such a high cost.

As part of the improvements, the free version of Panels will now include 1080p wallpapers, removing the advertising annoyances from previous versions. Additionally, if a user wishes to access higher-resolution versions of a wallpaper, they can unlock them by watching an ad. For those who prefer not to watch ads, a new subscription option is available at the low cost of just $2 per month. Individual collections of wallpapers from artists can also be purchased with a one-time payment, or users can opt to access all collections with the original subscription of $12 monthly or $50 annually.

Regarding the permissions, it has been reported that corrections are being made, as the wide range of permissions originally required was due to incorrect information provided to the App Store by Brownlee and his team. This episode highlights a crucial point: Brownlee's willingness to listen to his followers. In a context where many decisions are driven by economic interests, this is an admirable aspect.