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 adds a new way to keep your apps private — here's how to lock and hide your iPhone apps
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 18, you can lock apps so that they can only open with Face ID. You can even hide those apps from your iPhone home screen for added security.
The Google Pixel 9 has lots of AI features — but Pixel Screenshots looks like a game changer
By Philip Michaels last updated
Pixel Screenshots looks like a top addition to Google's new flagships
Google Pixel 9 — 6 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Wondering whether to buy a Pixel 9? These are the arguments for and against Google's entry-level flagship phone.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold unveiled with drastic redesign and new AI powers
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google's foldable has larger screens, thinner profile and new features powered by the Tensor G4. Here's everything Google announced about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL announced — here’s everything that’s new
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google gives its smartphone lineup new AI powers, with the introduction of the Pixel 9 lineup. Find out more about the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Made by Google event 2024 — the 5 biggest Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 questions
By Philip Michaels published
We have a good idea about what Google will announce at Tuesday's Made by Google event, but we still have questions about the upcoming Pixel phones and watches.
iOS 18 lets you take a break from closing your Move ring — here's how to pause activity streaks
By Philip Michaels published
You no longer have to worry about losing your iPhone Fitness app activity streak if you need to take a day off from workouts. iOS 18 adds the ability to pause your Move ring activity.
Google Pixel 9 Pro could be the star of the show at Made by Google — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
We're expecting lots of different devices at the Made by Google event on August 13. But the Pixel 9 Pro could be the most exciting one of all.
iPhone 16 ship date won't be affected by Apple Intelligence — why that's the right move
By Philip Michaels published
It's clear that Apple Intelligence won't be part of the initial iOS 18 release, arriving later with iOS 18.1. But that shouldn't stop Apple from getting out the iPhone 16 on time.
The Disney Plus/Hulu/Max bundle sounds great — but I'm never going to subscribe
By Philip Michaels published
A bundle packaging together Disney Plus and Hulu with Max sounds like a great deal. But the way streaming services handle pricing make it hard to commit to these kinds of bundles.
Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Which Android phone will be tops?
By Philip Michaels published
With the Pixel 9 Pro set to debut this month, we take a look at how Google's top flagship could fare against the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
iPhone 15 is outselling the iPhone 14 — why that's happening and what it means for the iPhone 16
By Philip Michaels published
Apple says that iPhone 15 sales are ahead of where the iPhone 14 was at the same point in their release cycle. The reasons why bode well for this fall's iPhone 16 release.
OnePlus Open Apex Edition unveiled — new AI photo tools and a stunning color
By Philip Michaels published
OnePlus plans to release a variant of its OnePlus Open foldable phone, with more details coming on August 7. But the new phone features a red exterior and new AI photo features, OnePlus says.
I’ve been using iOS 18 since the beta came out, and this updated app has blown me away
By Philip Michaels published
From Math Notes to a built-in audio recorder, the iOS 18 version of Notes gets some welcome additions.
Visible: Are the wireless carrier's low-cost unlimited plans too good to be true?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Verizon-owned Visible offers unlimited smartphone data starting at $25 a month. It's a compelling alternative to pricier wireless phone providers, thanks to Verizon's extensive network.
How to get Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max and more for free with your phone plan
By Philip Michaels last updated
T-Mobile and Verizon all offer free streaming subscriptions with some unlimited data plans. Here's a closer look at which services come with which unlimited plans.
Google’s Gemini Olympics ad is the very worst way to sell AI — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
Google's ad for Gemini airing during Olympics coverage has been largely panned. Here's why it sends the wrong message about what you should be doing with AI.
The iOS 18 Fitness app just got a lot better — here’s how
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18's version of Fitness picks up a watchOS 10 feature by letting you set Move goals for each day of the week. Here's how to use that feature.
Apple Intelligence release date — beta announcement, available features and full rollout
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple Intelligence features are now available in betas for iPhone, iPads and Mac. Here's what's available and when the full release is coming.
iOS 18.1 developer beta is live with Apple Intelligence — here’s all the new iPhone AI features
By Philip Michaels published
Apple is releasing separate developer betas for iPhone, iPad and Mac that include the first Apple Intelligence features. Here's what you'll be able to do if you give the beta a try.
iOS 18 extends your ability to customize the lock screen — how to edit control shortcuts
By Philip Michaels published
For years, the flashlight and camera shortcuts have been mainstays on iPhone lock screens. But iOS 18 gives you the ability to swap in different controls from the revamped Control Center.
iOS 18 Photos — 5 things I like about the redesign and 2 I don't
By Philip Michaels published
No app gets a bigger overhaul in iOS 18 than Photos. Is the new look of the app a dream or a dud?
iOS 18 Notes lets you add audio recordings directly in the app — here's how it works
By Philip Michaels published
When you want to add an audio recording in your notes, you can now do so directly from the iOS 18 Notes app. Here's how to use that feature and how to get a transcript of your recording.
I actually bought an iPhone 15 right before the iPhone 16 launch — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
Sometimes, it pays not to wait, as our managing editor for mobile found out when he started shopping for new iPhone deals for other members of his family.
This is your last chance to pre-order Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 and save up to $1,250
By Philip Michaels last updated
You've got just a few hours left to jump on Samsung's preorder deals for its new foldables. Here's what you can save on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Sign up now to get the best Black Friday deals!
Discover the hottest deals, best product picks and the latest tech news from our experts at Tom’s Guide.