John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.
Latest articles by John Velasco

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: All the differences and should you upgrade?
By John Velasco Published
If you're thinking of upgrading from the iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, here are all the reasons why that should be a yes.

iOS 27 is live — here's how to download and install it now
By John Velasco Published
Apple just launched iOS 27 and it brings welcome changes and additions to the iPhone's software experience. Here's how to download and install it.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max variable aperture camera explained — here's what it actually does
By John Velasco Published
By adding a variable aperture to the 48MP main camera, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max give shooters new creative ways to capture and more control of the light.

iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: Here’s what a $700 difference in price gets you
By John Velasco Published
They're separated by $700, but there's way more to it than just pricing to justify an iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max winner.

iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max — here’s the one I recommend
By John Velasco Published
Choosing between the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max is tough, but I break it all down to tell you which one is worth buying.

Apple Event recap — Hands-on with the iPhone Duo and all the big announcements
By John Velasco, Scott Younker Last updated
Apple's Surprise and shine launch event is over, but it marked the introduction of the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and more.

iPhone Duo is official — price, release date, specs, and everything you need to know
By John Velasco, Scott Younker Published
Apple just announced the iPhone Duo at its "Surprise and Shine" event, ushering it into a new era as it finally embraces the foldable form factor.

Apple Event LIVE: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch 12 and last-minute leaks ahead of today's launch
By John Velasco, Tom Pritchard, Scott Younker Last updated
We're just hours away from Apple's Surprise and shine launch event, which should reveal devices like iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro Max and more

I'm thrilled the iPhone Ultra is reportedly getting MagSafe, but there's a major problem
By John Velasco Published
The latest reports hint that Apple will indeed have MagSafe support on the iPhone Ultra, but it does present a major challenge in how some will fit on the device.

Apple A20 Pro chip: why it’s such a big deal for the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max
By John Velasco Published
The A20 Pro could give Apple the processing muscle and thermal efficiency it needs to outpace flagship Android rivals with the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra.

iPhone 18 Pro Max battery rumors: it could be a record-breaking year for Apple
By John Velasco Published
Between a rumored capacity jump to roughly 5,567 mAh and improved power efficiency of the 2nm A20 Pro chip, the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery life could be exceptional.

The iPhone Ultra will be the thinnest iPhone ever — here’s how it will stack up to other foldables
By John Velasco Published
While the iPhone Ultra is poised to become Apple’s thinnest device ever at 4.5mm unfolded, there are still a couple of other notebook foldables that are thinner.

iPhone Ultra battery: here's what we know so far
By John Velasco Published
While the iPhone Ultra's rumored 4,883 mAh split battery would trail rival foldables, its battery life performance could lean on something else.

iPhone Air 2 rumors — 5 biggest expected upgrades
By John Velasco Published
I break down all the iPhone Air 2 rumors to explain all the biggest upgrades that Apple's next generation, ultra-thin iPhone is expected to get when it launches.

iPhone Ultra price rumors — here's how much you can expect to pay for Apple’s first foldable
By John Velasco Published
iPhone Ultra price rumors have Apple's first foldable device all over the spectrum, with estimates hinting at $2,500+ for a baseline storage model.

I've tested every major foldable phone this year, and the iPhone Ultra can beat them all with this one killer feature
By John Velasco Published
While Android foldables have perfected their hardware, the iPhone Ultra could instantly dominate the category simply by solving the messy app scaling mistake.

iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — here's the flagship foldable I'd recommend based on the rumors
By John Velasco Published
I break down an iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold Ultra comparison to find out which foldable phone could earn my money as the better foldable device.

I test and review the best camera phones — these are my favorites right now
By John Velasco Last updated
We've tested all the best camera phones, and these are the ones that rise to the top.

I drove the Audi Q6 e-tron and BMW iX xDrive45 for a week — here’s mid-size luxury SUV I recommend
By John Velasco Published
After driving the Audi Q6 e-tron and BMW iX xDrive45 for a week each, there's one all-electric, mid-size SUV I'd gladly spend my money on.

Google Pixel 11 review: Lackluster upgrades that cost $100 more
By John Velasco Published
The Pixel 11 continues to bring the best AI features around, powered by Gemini, but it lacks the hardware upgrades and performance improvements to back up its $100 price increase.

Apple 'surprise and shine' event set for September 9 — iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, and more
By John Velasco Published
Apple just sent out invites to its upcoming fall event on September 9, where we'll likely have announcements for the iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and more.

I tried this MagSafe game controller and it puts other Bluetooth gamepads to shame — plus it’s $20 off right now
By John Velasco Published
The Ohsnap MCON Bluetooth Gaming Controller is the most versatile Bluetooth gaming pad I've used, featuring an ingenious MagSafe magnetic mount.

New report reveals what early testers love most about iPhone Ultra — here’s what I think
By John Velasco Published
Early tester reports praise the foldable iPhone Ultra’s pocketable passport design, refined hinge, large camera viewfinder, and iPad-style layouts.
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