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
![An audio recording in the Notes app in iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CVxrnymer3aJsHKUgKcQd6-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone with Apple logo in background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/thKBohxqzGxA5jmYpf8Bnn-320-80.jpg)
Apple Intelligence release date — when to expect Apple's AI features on your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple Intelligence features are coming to the iPhone, iPad and Mac later this year. Here's when you can expect those AI capabilities to appear in iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.
![Pixel 9 leaked image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5TnJ2TYeoDnFaE8rMiQE2C-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 — all the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Potential design changes, new features and rumored release dates for the next Google flagship
![Google Pixel Fold shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hFhYHJfecg6CzNgvSfAuaX-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold — all the rumors so far
By Tom Pritchard last updated
Whether the next Google foldable goes by the Pixel Fold 2 or the Pixel 9 Pro, here's what we know so far about the upcoming phone based on rumors.
![Unofficial renders of the iPhone SE 4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z8gdNppXTTb2VYquyi2KWf-320-80.jpg)
iPhone SE 4 — all the rumors and what we want to see
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple could have another iPhone SE with a new look in the pipeline. Here's what we've heard so far about iPhone SE 4 rumors.
![Best cable modem](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bBkSdj8KqjJE7TBbHVEvFa-320-80.jpg)
Best cable modems in 2024
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
These are the best cable modems for your home or office so that you don't need to waste money each month renting one from your ISP.
![Google Pixel 8a in hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/drikLqyaXztspWSfcCEvXE-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a arrives — price, specs and AI features
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 8a has arrived, and we've got all the details on price, features, and more. Here's a look at what's new with the Pixel 8a.
![Apple iPhone 15 held in the hand.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5oHoH7Q8BAhFd4ubcYFX73-320-80.jpg)
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.
![iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JHmLbiGtEgKKotP8wXakAg-320-80.jpg)
Best camera phones in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
We've tested all the best camera phones, and these are the ones that rise to the top.
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 hands-on.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wi33c9Z23kKPT8d3MHf4CS-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Price, release date, features and more
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 arrives with an improved camera, bigger battery and a lot more Galaxy AI capabilities. Here's what's new with this foldable flip phone and how much you'll pay for it.
![iPhone 16 Pro render front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5wDTVRZKp9R9XBGanPzCND-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 prices — this is how Apple can beat Samsung and Google
By Philip Michaels published
With lots of big name phones seeing price hikes this year, Apple should think different about what it charges for the iPhone 16.
![Apple Intelligence logo on iPhone with Apple logo in background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/thKBohxqzGxA5jmYpf8Bnn-320-80.jpg)
This Apple Intelligence feature coming in iOS 18 will be a game changer for your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Priority Notifications could make an upgrade worth it all on its own
![iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cBetiZTryX9QJhw2NnPSVE-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro: Biggest changes to expect
By Philip Michaels last updated
Rumors point to some big moves for the iPhone 16 Pro compared to its predecessor. Here's how an iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro face-off looks like it could shake out.
![Apple iPhone 15 review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yDn3ZSXu9eSBxmXQDZ4PCF-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15: Price, specs and availability
By Richard Priday last updated
Here's what we know about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models coming out this fall now that Apple's shown off its new phones.
![Google Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 on a marble bench](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9k4D62NVfcU8bYE9xuQ5Lc-320-80.jpg)
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is on the way — here's what Google needs to learn from the Galaxy Z Fold 6
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has some important lessons for Google to learn as it prepares to possibly launch the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in August as a Pixel Fold follow-up.
![iOS 18 public beta](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rqzDBAUqm7DtYYHuAW2nWD-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 lets you customize your iPhone's home screen — here's how to do it
By Philip Michaels published
In iOS 18, you're no longer restricted to a grid of app icons and widgets. The updated iPhone software lets you move things wherever you want. Here's how to customize your home screen.
![Tokyo Olympics women's gymnastics team final live stream with Simone Biles of Team USA](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8rkJ2BhyAWFjwRFtoqTP4C-320-80.jpg)
The 11 best Olympics movies and where to watch them online
By Mike Prospero, Philip Michaels, Kelly Woo last updated
Our 11 favorite movies about the summer and winter Olympics.
![Unofficial renders of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max from the front](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GyyTEMvaZ4Ddz2CdxWKACo-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 release date predictions — here’s when the new iPhones could launch
By Philip Michaels last updated
Everyone expects the iPhone 16 to arrive later this year, but no one knows when exactly. Using Apple's past rollout schedule gives us a pretty good idea on when the iPhone 16 models might arrive.
![iOS messages running on an iPhone in iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R4FRaA4vN94A5ojeMGrcz5-320-80.jpg)
You can now schedule iMessages to send later in iOS 18 — here’s how
By Philip Michaels published
With iOS 18, you don't have to remember when to text someone. Here's how to schedule texts in the Messages app.
![samsung galaxy z fold 6 reasons to buy and skip](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ygF7KnmQWQB8NwPGz97h3L-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 — 6 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Wondering if the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the right phone for you? Here's why we think Samsung's latest foldable is worth getting, along with a few reaons you may want to pass on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
![iOS 18 beta download on an iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fZP8MW7iJRxDYmJctDvHak-320-80.jpg)
How to download the iOS 18 public beta
By Philip Michaels last updated
The public beta of iOS 18 is here. We'll show you how to download it and install iOS 18 on your phone.
![iOS 18 public beta](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rqzDBAUqm7DtYYHuAW2nWD-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 public beta hands-on review: A work in progress
By Philip Michaels published
Not yet ratedThere's a lot of changes coming to your iPhone beyond Apple Intelligence
![best family cell phone plan](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fQuBq3CXED4NK77fEh5osm-320-80.jpg)
Best family cell phone plan in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best family cell phone plan? We can help you find a smartphone plan that brings unlimited data to multiple people without breaking the bank.