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
![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 and iPhone 16 Pro displays — 5 biggest rumors for the new iPhones
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple could make some big changes to the displays on the iPhone 16 — quite literally, in the case of the Pro models. Here are the biggest rumors surrounding iPhone 16 displays right now.
![iPhone 16 ultra concept by 4RMD](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LiuQPUbn5totwWrWRLJVBc-320-80.jpeg)
iPhone 16 Ultra: All the rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
A new top-of-the-line iPhone could be coming this year. Here's what we know about a potential iPhone 16 Ultra based on rumors about Apple's upcoming phones.
![Unofficial iOS 18 logo on an iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AuRomvkySEmFHuB868KNx4-320-80.jpg)
WWDC 2024 — 5 biggest iOS 18 questions for this year's Apple event
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple's about to preview iOS 18 — here's what we want to know
![Samsung Galaxy Fold 5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6Kv8xLJNYnnyFcCQghNk89-320-80.jpg)
Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 — this is how Samsung can make them stand out at Unpacked
By Philip Michaels published
If Samsung wants the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 to stand out from stepped-up competition for foldable phones, it needs to highlight Galaxy AI additions.
![iPhone 15 iphone 15 pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WvxcvGGY8hJSQTVsqxLznE-320-80.jpeg)
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.
![Unofficial renders of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max from the front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c36pCvWkbjFe4A4XG8GrLo-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro design — 5 biggest rumors for the new iPhones
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone's look isn't getting an overhaul, but there are some changes
![iOS 18 logo on an iPhone home screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kCX6V4w9dzkHLJYusXSYGe-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 AI should shake up Apple's iPhone lineup — here's how
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple usually drops the current Pro models when it introduces new iPhones. But if the iPhone 15 Pro models support on-device AI, why not keep them around after the iPhone 16 launch?
![Motorola Edge (2024)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FAgFLkG7tKJ5ShsHcZMycg-320-80.jpg)
Motorola Edge (2024) hopes to beat Google Pixel 8a at its own AI photo game
By Philip Michaels published
The Motorola Edge (2024) adds the Magic Editor, Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser tools of Google Photos, along with AI-optimized stabilization for its main camera.
![iPhone Flip foldable iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e2CrTzU6eYezxuuQWvXXo7-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Samsung Galaxy Ring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yCaNQqVYedssMGqhikYPs-320-80.jpg)
Samsung reveals Galaxy Ring launch date, as it takes Oura to court
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung has filed a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment that its Galaxy Ring doesn't infringe upon the Oura Ring and its patents. And that filing reveals when the Galaxy Ring is arriving.
![iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qoch7qCmGpoiskEQbNi2DU-320-80.jpg)
With iOS 18 on-device AI, Apple has some explaining to do
By Philip Michaels published
More details are emerging about how the AI features coming via iOS 18 will work. But those details are raising questions that only Apple can answer at WWDC 2024.
![Pixel 9 render and Pixel 8a photo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ibBmp4CxQiRWV2dNcQyqa-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 9: Should you buy now or wait?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Fans of Pixel phones need to decide whether to upgrade to the new Pixel 8a now or hold out for the Pixel 9 update coming later this year. We break down the arguments for either decision.
![Moto G 5G stylus review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5WJTTu6jod2TnYXtKLXnT8-320-80.jpg)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) review: The stylus isn't the star
By Philip Michaels published
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) comes with a stylus for jotting down notes on the phone, but it's the bright display and long battery life that grab the spotlight here.
![null](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RryLCFU6ULSaDoFjVn3q34-320-80.jpg)
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.
![iOS 18](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aY9mW65ZnrcBqziB6MEMAo-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 rumored AI features — what I like and what has me worried
By Philip Michaels published
We've now heard more about what AI tools are coming to your iPhone this year. A few sound promising while others are going to require an explanation from Apple.
![WWDC 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eZGqD7rRBvLS5Ug243SFWo-320-80.jpg)
Apple confirms WWDC keynote — when it’s happening and what to expect
By Philip Michaels published
Apple confirmed that it will kick off WWDC 2024 with a keynote on June 10. Here's when the keynote begins and what Apple's likely to talk about.
![Google Pixel Fold shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xnUAQeakptAQSnRaDgs9gC-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel Fold 2 release date could be key to beating the Galaxy Z Fold 6
By Philip Michaels published
Whether it's called the Pixel Fold 2 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the key thing about Google's next foldable phone is when it arrives. Here's why.
![OpenAI logo on phone sitting on top of laptop keyboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bgY6ZCGwqasDuht74rr3JW-320-80.jpg)
OpenAI could play a role in Apple’s iOS 18 update — and that has me worried
By Philip Michaels published
The company's developing a reputation for recklessness
![how to create guides in apple maps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7MVr5Yur5mc7cWyKnjH5pV-320-80.jpg)
Apple Maps has a trip-planning feature tool buried inside — here's how to use it
By Philip Michaels published
You can create guides in Apple Maps that include all the places you want to visit on a trip. We'll show you how to create a guide and how to share it with the people you're traveling with.
![iPhone 16 render front and back](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CuF2xLWotirBaduW548DpJ-320-80.jpg)
Should I upgrade to the iPhone 16? These are the 5 key areas Apple needs to address
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16 is coming later this year. Our managing editor for mobile looks at what Apple needs to do to convince him to upgrade from his current phone.
![best android apps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bSG4ajHm5o9kW6xmnXEhGC-320-80.jpg)
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.
![boost mobile logo on a smartphone screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SjxEKW6uwrS8dSbaERhXYi-320-80.jpg)
Best Boost Mobile plans in 2024: What's the best option for you?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's a look at Boost Mobile's wireless plans, and which one is the best Boost Mobile plan for your needs.
![iphone 16 ultra concept](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zVebY7pNKagUzSXbX2Zd3U-320-80.jpeg)
iPhone 17 Slim could be the most expensive iPhone ever — but how?
By Philip Michaels published
It'll take more than a slim design to justify a premium iPhone