YouTuber Marques Brownlee to Shut Down His Panels Wallpaper App After One Year

Marques Brownlee, one of the world’s most influential tech YouTubers, has announced that he will be shutting down his subscription-based wallpaper app, Panels. Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, revealed the decision in a recent video, explaining that the app will officially close on 31 December. Launched in September 2024, Panels gave users access to a curated selection of digital wallpapers for their phones in exchange for a monthly subscription fee starting at $11.99.

The Challenges Behind Panels’ Short Lifespan

Despite Brownlee’s massive following and the initial buzz surrounding the launch, the app faced questions from the start about its pricing model and overall usefulness. Now, more than a year later, Brownlee acknowledges that Panels never grew into what he had envisioned. He admitted that mistakes were made in the creation of the app and that the product could not be shaped into the ecosystem he hoped to build. His goal was to create a vibrant place for wallpapers that supported the artists contributing to the platform, but ultimately, the concept proved difficult to sustain.

Initial Success Couldn’t Translate into Longevity

Panels experienced several notable highs during its early days. It topped app download charts shortly after its release and recorded more than two million wallpaper downloads. Brownlee described this journey as a rollercoaster, filled with moments of excitement and hope. However, even with strong initial momentum, the app did not develop a wide enough audience to survive long-term. Brownlee pointed out that the product was always going to appeal to a very specific user base. Most people never download wallpaper apps, and he had openly acknowledged this niche appeal soon after Panels launched.

Community Reaction and Artist Contributions

Brownlee defended the app’s purpose during its first weeks when users questioned why he would focus on digital wallpapers. He argued then that the app was meant for a small but dedicated group of supporters and that those uninterested should feel no obligation to use it. As he announced the shutdown, Brownlee thanked the artists who contributed their designs, emphasising that their creativity was central to what Panels aimed to offer. He expressed gratitude for their involvement and for the users who supported the app over the past year.

What Happens to Users and the App Next

According to the official Panels website, users will retain access to all wallpapers they have purchased or downloaded, even after the app closes. In addition, anyone with an active subscription will receive a refund once the service ends on 31 December. Brownlee also revealed that the app’s code will be released as open source, allowing developers to build their own versions or take inspiration from Panels’ original design. This move allows the project to continue in new forms even after the official app shuts down.