
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

iOS 18.5 makes it easier to customize your inbox — here’s what you can do
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 18.5, it's easier to hide contact photos from people who send you messages in Mail. We'll also show you how to turn off the Group by Sender feature.

The Trump administration wants Apple to build iPhones in the U.S. — here's why that will be hard to pull off
By Philip Michaels published
Trump administration officials are talking about the prospect of bringing tech manufacturing from overseas to the U.S. The iPhone is a good example of why that would be hard to pull off.

Apple brings recipes to News Plus in iOS 18.4 — here's what one foodie thinks
By Philip Michaels published
The iOS 18.4 update brings a new Food section to Apple News Plus that includes recipes among other features. I've explored this addition to see if it makes an Apple News Plus subscription worthwhile.

Tim Cook is reportedly focused on Apple Glasses — and that could be bad news for the iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
A report claims that Tim Cook's focus is on developing AR glasses. But there's plenty of iPhone improvements that require attention, too.

iPhone Flip — all the iPhone Fold rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Rumors about the iPhone Flip are bringing some details about a folding iPhone into focus. Here's a look at what we've heard so far.

Apple Maps is my go-to choice for directions — here's how Apple Intelligence could make it even better
By Philip Michaels published
I turn to Apple Maps on my iPhone when I need to get from one place to another. And I'd like to see Apple Intelligence make those turn-by-turn directions even smarter.

Tired of price hikes? Xfinity launches 5-year price lock on its home internet plans
By Philip Michaels published
Comcast announced five-year price guarantees that lock in your rate on its Xfinity home internet service, with pricing starting at $55/month.

iPhone 17 vs. Google Pixel 10: Biggest expected changes
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10 figure to duke it out as the choice for people looking for an affordable high-end camera this fall. Here's how the phones compare based on current rumors.

Hurry! You can grab Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra for $630 off right now
By Philip Michaels published
You can save $200 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra without a trade-in, but Samsung will take up to $630 off the device if you trade in a phone that it's good condition.

Google Pixel 10 Pro rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
We're expecting the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL to arrive later this year alongside the Pixel 10. Find out the rumored changes tipped to appear on Google's upcoming Pro models.

iPhone 17 — 5 iPhone 16e lessons Apple should apply to the new iPhone launch
By Philip Michaels published
Apple got some things right with the iPhone 16e — and some things wrong. Here's how it should apply those lessons to the iPhone 17 models coming this fall.

Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air could make this the year of the thin phone — but will shoppers bite?
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to arrive as an ultra-thin phone soon — and it probably won't be the last one we see this year. Let's look at why this new design is all the rage with phone makers.

I didn’t take Nothing Phones seriously — now I think they’re some of the best options under $500
By Philip Michaels published
Forget the goofy name and the unconventional way of buying the phones — the Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro deliver in the areas that count.

I track cell phone plans for a living — and the best unlimited data plan just dropped to $35
By Philip Michaels published
Visible already offered some great unlimited data plans for less than other phone carriers. But now its Visible Plus plan has dropped by $10 to cost just $35/month.

I’ve been testing iOS 18.4 — try these 5 features first after you upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18.4 is now available for anyone to download. If you're upgrading, I've got some advice on which features to check out first.

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.

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.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!