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
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.
ESPN Plus review: Offers plenty of live sports but not always what you want
By Philip Michaels, Malcolm McMillan last updated
ESPN Plus offers a lot of live sports for a little money, but it's no replacement for the mainstream match-ups you'll still find on cable. Here's our review of ESPN's streaming service.
Best Android apps in 2024
By Philip Michaels, John Velasco last updated
There are plenty of apps in the Google Play store, but we tracked down the best Android apps that deserve a place on your smartphone.
Best mobile hotspots in 2024
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
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.
Best international phone plans in 2024 — what travelers need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
Before you head overseas, find out what your cellphone provider will charge you to use your phone. Here are the different options offered by the four major wireless carriers.
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.
Best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Now that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most expensive phone Apple's ever made, you'll want to keep it safe from harm. The best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases can help.
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.
Best key finder in 2024: AirTag vs. Tile vs. SmartTag vs. Chipolo
By Philip Michaels last updated
These are the best key finders and Bluetooth trackers for finding lost keys, wallets, phones or anything else that is easily misplaced.
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.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Biggest rumored differences
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple likes to distinguish its Pro models from the standard iPhone. An early iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro comparison finds some key differences already emerging.
iPhone Flip: Everything we know about Apple's foldable phone plans
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone Flip could be Apple's first foldable phone. Here's what we know so far.
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.
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.
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