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
iPhone 15 upgrade guide — who should get it and who should skip it
By Philip Michaels published
Not sure whether to upgrade to the iPhone 15? We look at the iPhones released over the last four years to tell you what new features to expect should you take the plunge.
Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7a: Biggest differences to expect
By Philip Michaels published
The Pixel 7a is close enough to the Pixel 7 to be the better buy. Will the Pixel 8 change things? Our early Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7a comparison looks at potential differences.
Meta Connect 2023 new: Meta Quest 3, Ray-Ban smart glasses, AI chatbots and more
By Philip Michaels published
The Meta Connect event is the launching ground for Meta Quest 3. But the mixed reality headset wasn't the only announcement.
iOS 17 now lets you pick your own search engine for private browsing in Safari
By Philip Michaels published
Don't want Google handling your searches even when you're in private browsing mode? iOS now lets you pick a new search engine for private browsing searches.
Whoa! Google Pixel 8 Pro preorder rumor promises free Pixel Watch 2
By Philip Michaels published
A leaker says that Google will include a Pixel Watch 2 when you preorder the Pixel 8 Pro flagship phone coming next week.
iOS 17 Safari makes private browsing more secure — here's how
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 17 adds locked private browsing to Safari where you can use Face ID to secure your open tabs. Here's how it works.
This is the most overlooked iPhone 15 upgrade — and it can save you serious time
By Philip Michaels published
You won't hear much about the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Apple added to every iPhone 15 model. But it's a welcome upgrade that should improve the Find My feature.
Your iPhone can now run multiple timers — here’s how to use this iOS 17 feature
By Philip Michaels published
Take advantage of iOS 17's ability to let you run multiple timers on your iPhone at once. Here's how.
New iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14: Here's the one I'd buy
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 14 now costs $100 less than it used to. But the iPhone 15's new features more than justify going with Apple' latest phone.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Models compared
By Richard Priday last updated
Apple's four iPhone 15 models have some important similarities and differences to know about if you're going to buy one. Let us guide you through them.
iOS 17 review: The biggest rewards for iPhone owners
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS update makes the most out of some modest changes
iOS 17 available today — here’s how to download
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 17 is out and ready to download. Here's how to install iOS 17 on your iPhone.
iOS 17 arrives today — 9 features to try first
By Philip Michaels last updated
With the full version of iOS 17 arriving on September 18, here's a look at the first features you should check out on the new iPhone software.
The iPhone 15 is my favorite new iPhone — but it's missing two big things
By Philip Michaels published
There's a lot to like about the iPhone 15, since it packs in features previously reserved for Apple's premium handsets. But it's still missing two big things, our managing editor for mobile argues.
iPhone 15 release — there is zero point for the Plus to exist
By Philip Michaels published
For the second year in a row, Apple has released an iPhone Plus model. And like its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Plus doesn't stand out from the crowd.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 13: Is it time for an upgrade?
By Alan Martin last updated
Now that the iPhone 15 have arrived, it's time for current iPhone owners to decide whether to upgrade. Our iPhone 15 vs iPhone 13 comparison looks at what's changed.
iPhone 15 Pro — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Thinking about buying an iPhone 15 Pro? There are plenty of reasons why you should. Thinking about skipping this device? There's an argument to be made there, too.
Apple September event: All the latest iPhone 15 and Apple Watch 9 news
By Philip Michaels published
From the iPhone 15 lineup to the latest Apple Watch models, we covered every announcement as it happened during the Apple Event 2023.
iPhone 15 Dynamic Island — 15 best apps you should try first
By Philip Michaels published
Live Activities can bring urgent app updates to Dynamic Island on iPhone 15 — and here are 15 of our favorites.
iPhone 15 — 6 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 15 has a lot going for it, but it still might not be the right phone for some people. Here's what we like and what we don't about the iPhone 15.
iPhone 15 release date: Here’s when the new iPhone goes on sale
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple has shown off the iPhone 15 and told us when the phone goes on sale. Get the whole picture on the iPhone 15 release date.
iPhone 15 specs — what to expect from every new iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 15 launch is right around the corner. Our look at the rumored iPhone 15 specs can prepare you for what each new model is supposed to offer.
iPhone 15 price rumors — here’s the latest on what you might pay
By Philip Michaels last updated
We're tracking rumors about iPhone 15 prices, and so far, it looks like some models of this fall's phones may cost more than their iPhone 14 counterparts.