Report updated Apr 7, 2026
Vellum Wallpapers
v1.7.0Design-conscious iPhone users who value high-quality, curated aesthetics and prefer a minimalist, non-automated approach to device personalization.
What Is Vellum Wallpapers?
Launched Jan 9, 2017
Updated Aug 2021
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
A curated collection of high-quality, in-house created images rather than automated or crowd-sourced content.
A new, limited-edition wallpaper released every day to keep the user's home screen fresh.
Customizable blur and gradient tool to create aesthetic, non-distracting home screen backgrounds.
Allows users to maintain a consistent visual theme across iPhone and Apple Watch.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate high-quality content and intuitive ui design, but report excessive ads and lack of updates.”
What Users Love
basically every wallpaper is hd quality
Very well curated collections and daily wallpapers
the ui is very smooth and nice to use
Vellum is 100% the most aesthetically pleasing, intuitively designed, and intentionally crafted wallpaper app
Pain Points
SO MANY MORE ADS. Time for something new.
there are ads that CANNOT be closed
Hasn’t seen a single update in over 4 years
it seems that lately they’re uploading less and less packs
Some are entirely AI-generated, and I wish those were marked as such.
newest spring pack features what is clearly AI-generated photos. Incredibly lazy
High confidence · 49 reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Exceptional UI/UX design consistent with Apple's premium aesthetic
- Strong brand reputation for 'hand-picked' high-quality curation
- User-friendly one-time purchase monetization model
- Unique built-in tools like the Blur tool that add functional value
Cons
- Technical stagnation with no app updates since 2021
- Increasingly intrusive and unclosable ad implementation
- Lack of transparency regarding AI-generated content
- Perception of 'abandonware' among long-term users
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Implement clear labeling for AI vs. Human-created art to regain trust
- Modernize the app to support new iOS lock screen and widget features
- Introduce a creator program to refresh content without high internal costs
- Expand the brand to the Android market
Market Threats
- Active competitors like Backdrops capturing the design-focused audience
- Rise of dedicated AI wallpaper generators offering infinite custom content
- User churn due to aggressive advertising and content stagnation
- Loss of premium brand status due to unmarked AI imagery
Who competes with Vellum Wallpapers?
Peers
The largest discovery engine for aesthetic inspiration, often used as a manual alternative to wallpaper apps.
Visual Search (Pinterest Lens)
Offers integrated wallpaper and widget themes, competing for the user's total device aesthetic.
Custom Widget Builder
A broader personalization app that includes wallpapers as part of full-system theme packs.
Digital Pet Widgets
Widgetsmith
★4.6 (742K)Cross Forward Consulting, LLC
Part of the broader iOS personalization ecosystem that Vellum users likely use to complete their home screen look.
Part of the broader iOS personalization ecosystem that Vellum users likely use to complete their home screen look.
What are the key takeaways?
Vellum Wallpapers is a divisive entertainment app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.8/5 rating from 55.6K reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate high-quality content, though excessive ads remains a common concern.
Best for: Design-conscious iPhone users who value high-quality, curated aesthetics and prefer a minimalist, non-automated approach to device personalization.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
The app avoids recurring subscription models, opting for a one-time purchase to unlock historical content, which appeals to users wary of 'subscription fatigue'.