
Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Latest articles by Philip Michaels

Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote will be the most important one in years — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
WWDC 2025 gives Apple the opportunity to reset expectations about what's coming with Siri and Apple Intelligence. It's an opportunity the company should take.

I'm a long-time iPhone owner, but I rarely use Apple Intelligence - here's why
By Philip Michaels published
I have the luxury of choosing which iPhone to use on a daily basis — and it's rarely one with Apple Intelligence features. The reason why gets to the heart of why Apple's AI efforts are faltering.

Google Pixel 9a just got an official release date — here's when you can buy it
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google announced the Pixel 9a earlier this month, and now it has set an official release date. Get ready for the Pixel 9a rollout to start April 10, depending on where you are in the world.

Google Pixel 9a vs. OnePlus 13R: Which budget phone is better?
By Philip Michaels published
At less than $500, the Google Pixel 9a figures to set the standard for value phones. But the OnePlus 13R could prove to be a more formidable challenger than you think.

Google's Pixel 9 range joins our list of the best Android phones in Australia
By Stephen Lambrechts last updated
Looking to buy a new Android phone? We're here to help you make the right choice.

iOS 18.4 brings a bunch of helpful upgrades to your iPhone — and this is my favorite
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18.4 brings a number of helpful changes to your iPhone, and the added ability to pause app downloads is a good example of that.

Google Pixel 9a vs. Samsung Galaxy A56: Which sub-$500 phone should you get?
By Philip Michaels published
The Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A56 both cost $499. But which phone delivers the better value? We aim to find out.

Apple WWDC 2025 date set for June 9 — iOS 19, Apple Intelligence and more expected
By Philip Michaels published
Apple has announced that WWDC 2025 will take place the week of June 9. And with big overhauls rumored for its software this year, there should be a lot of focus on what Apple will announce there.

I avoided Apple Maps for trip planning — but these iOS 18 features are changing my mind
By Philip Michaels published
It used to be a pain looking up locations in places you were planning to travel to using Apple Maps. But there's now a Search Here tool in iOS 18 that makes searching a lot easier.

I got tired of Safari revealing my web searches in iOS 18.4 — this setting fixes that
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 18.4, Safari now displays a list of Recent Searches when you're using the mobile browser. But there's now a setting to turn that off.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: Everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels published
As more details emerge about the Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung's upcoming thin phone sounds a lot like the Galaxy S25 Plus. Here's how the two models compare.

Google Pixel 9a launch LIVE: Everything you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 9a just got released, and we have all the information about specs, features and pre-order deals. Plus, we'll look at how the phone compares to other low-cost options.

Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: All the biggest changes
By Philip Michaels last updated
With Google shipping a new phone soon, a Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a comparison can give you sense of what Google's offering and how it differs from last year's model.

iPhone 17 Air — 5 biggest revelations from new in-depth report
By Philip Michaels last updated
A new report offers more insight into the iPhone 17 Air and the impact it will have on future iPhones.

iOS 18.4 adds a new way to track your spending — but I think Apple can go even further
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 18.4, the Wallet app can track recurring payments you make using Apple Pay. But I'd like to see other subscriptions added to the mix.

My favorite iOS 18.4 feature is ambient music — here's how to activate it
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18.4 brings an ambient music feature to the Control Center on your iPhone. Here's why you should give it a try.

Apple analysts sound alarm on Siri delay — here’s why
By Philip Michaels last updated
We're still waiting for a smarter Siri in Apple Intelligence — and that's a problem. Here's a closer look at the challenges facing Apple ahead of this year's iOS 19 update.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Biggest expected upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
With iPhone 17 Pro Max rumors coming into focus, here's how this year's premium iPhone could compare to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

5 biggest iOS 19 rumors — here’s how Apple could transform your iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 19 rumors are starting to emerge ahead of a likely preview this summer. Here are the 5 top rumors we've heard so far about the iPhone software update.

Google Pixel 9a will have to fix one crucial thing to hold off its low-cost rivals
By Philip Michaels published
Battery life hasn't been anything to write home about on recent Pixel phones. But Pixel 9a rumors suggests that may be about to change.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge vs. iPhone 17 Air: What we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung has already show off the Galaxy S25 Edge, while Apple reportedly has an iPhone 17 Air in the works. It sets the stage for a battle of slim phones.

Not just for flagships anymore — how the Pixel 8a, iPhone 16e and other phones are expanding AI's reach
By Philip Michaels published
Here's what AI tools are available in lower cost phones

iOS 18.4 adds a crucial Apple Intelligence feature to the iPhone 15 Pro — and it makes your phone more powerful
By Philip Michaels published
With iOS 18.4, iPhone 15 Pro gains support for Visual Intelligence. Here's how to set up this Apple Intelligence feature and what you can do with it.
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