Here’s a bold statement: one of the most visually stunning wallpaper apps is disappearing forever. MKBHD’s ‘Panels’ app, known for its high-quality wallpapers curated by tech guru Marques Brownlee, is shutting down at the end of the year. But here’s where it gets controversial—Marques himself cites sustainability issues as the reason behind this decision. What does that mean for the future of niche apps? Let’s dive in.
For years, MKBHD’s YouTube channel has been synonymous with top-tier Android and consumer tech reviews, not just for its insightful content but also for its jaw-dropping visuals. A big part of that appeal? The custom wallpapers that transformed ordinary device showcases into mini works of art. Many of these wallpapers found a home in the Panels app, which offered users access to these designs either for free (with ads) or via subscription.
And this is the part most people miss—despite reaching the top charts on both the Google Play Store and App Store with a massive number of downloads, the Panels team (https://panels.art/) admits the app wasn’t sustainable in the long run. It simply didn’t align with their vision. Is success on app stores enough to keep a project alive? It’s a question worth pondering.
For those who invested in annual subscriptions, there’s some good news: refunds will begin processing on December 31, 2025, covering the unused portion of your subscription. Plus, any wallpapers you’ve purchased will remain downloadable until the shutdown is complete. No need to panic—your favorite designs aren’t going anywhere just yet.
Here’s another intriguing twist: the Panels team plans to open-source the app’s code after shutdown, allowing others to potentially pick up where they left off. Could this be the start of a community-driven revival? Only time will tell.
Before we wrap up, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is the tech industry’s obsession with sustainability killing creativity, or is it a necessary evolution? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.
For more app-related updates, check out these recent developments:
- Android’s QR code scanner redesign is making a comeback (https://9to5google.com/2025/12/01/android-qr-code-scanner-redesign-returns/)
- A Google Home trick lets you unlock Gemini voices instantly (https://9to5google.com/2025/11/30/gemini-home-assistant-voice-trick/)
- New Google Messages features rolling out in November 2025 (https://9to5google.com/2025/11/29/google-messages-features/)
FTC Disclosure: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more here: (https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)
