Articles by: 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.

Articles by: Philip Michaels

iPhone 15 Pro Max just tipped for price hike — here’s what we know

By Philip Michaels published 7 July 23

You may have to pay more for Apple's top iPhone this fall, as an analyst says the iPhone 15 Pro Max is going to cost more than its predecessor.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked set for July 26 — and you can save $50 on preorders

By Philip Michaels last updated 6 July 23

Samsung officially set a date for Galaxy Unpacked 2023. Foldable phones will be the focus of the July 26 event, but other products could make an appearance.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 charging case placed on MacBook keyboard

New iPhone 15 could force AirPods charging change — here's why

By Philip Michaels published 5 July 23

You currently charge the AirPods case via Lightning, but that figures to change with the iPhone 15's switch to USB-C.

iOS 16 spotlight will be quite different once ios 17 arrives with new spotlight features

iOS 17 Spotlight — here's the new features coming to your iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 4 July 23

iOS 17 Spotlight changes aren't going to grab a lot of headlines, but they will come in handy if you want to find things faster and get more done from the search results screen

I don’t like VR headsets — can the Apple Vision Pro convince me I’m wrong?

By Philip Michaels published 2 July 23

Our managing editor for mobile isn't the world's biggest fan of VR. Here's how the Apple Vision Pro could get him to change his tune.

iPhone 15 vs. Google Pixel 8: What we expect

By Philip Michaels last updated 12 September 23

The iPhone 15 and Pixel 8 are both expected to arrive later in the fall. Thanks to early rumors, we can check in on how the iPhone 15 vs. Google Pixel 8 face-off is shaping up.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPhone 15 Ultra renders from 4RMD

The iPhone 15 Pro could be a lot tougher — here’s why

By Philip Michaels last updated 30 June 23

Rumors suggest the iPhone 15 Pro will offer a titanium frame, a big potential improvement over the stainless steel used in current iPhone Pro models.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 tipped to tackle two big foldable complaints — here’s how

By Philip Michaels published 27 June 23

Battery life, camera performance could see big gains when the Galaxy Z Flip 5 arrives next month, at least based on a report out of South Korea.

iOS 17 AirDrop — all the changes coming to your iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 26 June 23

Changes to AirDrop in iOS 17 promise to make it easier to share photos, videos and contact info with other iPhones. Here's what to expect from Apple's iPhone software update.

Priya Kansara as Ria Khan, in a fighting pose in Polite Society

Polite Society on Peacock is a must-watch — and it’s 91% on Rotten Tomatoes

By Philip Michaels published 24 June 23

It's a new spinning kick to the action-comedy genre that fans of We Are Lady Parts are sure to love

iPhone 15 Pro Max camera rumors — this upgrade will make or break Apple’s new iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 24 June 23

Only one iPhone 15 Pro Max camera rumor matters, and it concerns Apple to improve the telephoto capabilities of its top smartphone.

iOS 17 Visual Look Up: All the new features coming to your iPhone

By Philip Michaels last updated 23 June 23

Visual Look Up has been a great addition in recent iPhone software updates, and iOS 17 is bringing new capabilities to the mix.

Your Apple ID is about to kill the password in iOS 17 — what you need to know

By Philip Michaels last updated 22 June 23

With iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, you'll be able to link a passkey to your Apple ID for more secure sign-ins.

samsung galaxy z fold 5 vs google pixel fold

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 rumored price drop — thank the Pixel Fold

By Philip Michaels last updated 22 June 23

A rumor claims that Galaxy Z Fold 5 could cost less than its predecessor. If true, the price cut comes as Samsung faces increasing competition from other foldable phone makers.

EU could force Apple to make iPhone batteries replaceable — what you need to know

By Philip Michaels published 20 June 23

The European Parliament has OK'd new rules that would require batteries in mobile devices to be more easily replaced by consumers. But the impact may not be felt for some time.

OnePlus V Fold renders give us a really good look at upcoming foldable

By Philip Michaels published 20 June 23

Leaked renders of the OnePlus V Fold show off the design and camera array of OnePlus' first foldable device, which is expected to arrive later this year.

iPhone wallpaper — how to change your iPhone's look and where you can find more options

By Philip Michaels published 12 June 23

Looking to spruce up your iPhone? Changing the phone's wallpaper helps put your personal stamp on the device. Here's how to change your iPhone's wallpaper and where you can find new options.

Active widgets are coming to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 — here’s what to expect

By Philip Michaels last updated 12 June 23

Get ready to interact with widgets on your iPhone or iPad, as iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 introduce a new active widgets feature. Here's how it works and what we know so far.

An image of a presentation on iOS 17 messages at WWDC 2023.

iOS 17 Messages — 8 biggest changes coming to your iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 10 June 23

The Messages app on your iPhone is getting some new features with iOS 17. Here's what we know so far about what's coming to iOS 17 Messages.

iOS 17 developer beta is open to anyone — here's how to download it now

By Philip Michaels published 7 June 23

You don't have to wait for the iOS 17 public beta to try out the new version of Apple's iPhone software. Right now, anyone with an Apple ID can grab the iOS 17 developer beta.

The best prepaid phone plans in 2023 — Cyber Week top picks

By Philip Michaels last updated 28 November 23

The best prepaid phone plans can save you money on your monthly cell phone bill. Here are the best options we found from a variety of carriers.

Best unlimited data plans in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 13 November 23

Lots of wireless carriers promise limitless data, but only one can have the best unlimited data plan. Here’s the plan you should sign up for to save money.

Apple Vision Pro doesn’t solve my biggest problem with VR headsets

By Philip Michaels published 7 June 23

There's a big problem with VR headsets — anyone putting one on looks ridiculous. And the Apple Vision Pro is no exception to the rule.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and more

By Philip Michaels last updated 26 July 23

The next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event is happening tomorrow. Here's what to expect from the next big Samsung product launch this summer.

WWDC 2023 recap: All the big announcements

By Philip Michaels last updated 9 June 23

This year's WWDC saw the debut of the Apple Reality Pro, a new mixed reality headset. But there were new Macs and software updates in a news-packed keynote. Here's what you might have missed.

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