Despite facing significant backlash, MKBHD’s Panels app has surpassed 50,000 downloads on the Google Play Store just a week after its release. This milestone is noteworthy, as many apps struggle to reach such a number quickly, especially with the flood of negative reviews and social media criticism swirling around the Panels wallpaper app.
The app, which offers users a curated selection of wallpapers, drew ire from fans due to its high subscription fee of $50 per year, ads required to unlock standard wallpapers, and concerns over privacy and data tracking. Users expressed frustration, particularly overpaying for features many consider free in other apps. Comparisons were drawn to services like Spotify and Amazon Prime, which offer far more features for a similar price, leading to accusations that the app was overpriced and “a cash grab”.
Despite the criticism, Panels crossed this significant download milestone, likely driven by curiosity from MKBHD’s loyal fanbase. The app’s rating on the Play Store has dropped to 3.1 stars, with over 2,300 reviews reflecting a mixed reception. There’s a near-even distribution of positive and negative reviews, with 1-star reviews (554) slightly outweighed by 5-star ones (738). This dip in ratings, from 3.2 when I first checked the Play Store this morning to 3.1 as of this evening, suggests that more users are leaving lower scores as they experience the app firsthand. Below is a screenshot of the app’s Play Store rating as of this writing.
On the iOS App Store, the rating is even worse at 2.1 from over 1,200 reviews.
In response to the backlash, MKBHD has acknowledged the concerns about pricing and privacy. He assured users that his team was working on improving the app’s functionality and reducing data-tracking disclosures, which had been a significant concern. Here’s the full statement he shared on X:
Part of building in public is getting mass feedback immediately, which is pretty dope. Almost exactly like publishing a YouTube video
First thing we’re doing is fixing the excessive data disclosures, as people rightfully brought up. For transparency, we’d never actually ask for your location, internet history, etc. The data disclosures (that everyone is screenshotting) is likely too broad, and largely driven by what the ad networks suggest. Working to fix that ASAP.
As far as pricing, I hear you! It’s our own personal challenge to work to deliver that kind of value for the premium version. (Weekly Friday drops are already starting) I’ll also be dialing back ad frequency for the free experience 👍🏾
Much more to come. I appreciate you all.
The Panels app has already received an update, addressing “stability improvements and bug fixes,” but it remains to be seen if these changes will be enough to sway public opinion in its favor.
While the controversy surrounding Panels remains intense, its initial download numbers indicate that MKBHD’s brand influence is still a powerful draw — even amid mixed reviews.
