Articles by: 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.

Articles by: Philip Michaels

iPhone wallpaper — how to change your iPhone's look and where you can find more options

By Philip Michaels published 12 June 23

Looking to spruce up your iPhone? Changing the phone's wallpaper helps put your personal stamp on the device. Here's how to change your iPhone's wallpaper and where you can find new options.

Active widgets are coming to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 — here’s what to expect

By Philip Michaels last updated 12 June 23

Get ready to interact with widgets on your iPhone or iPad, as iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 introduce a new active widgets feature. Here's how it works and what we know so far.

An image of a presentation on iOS 17 messages at WWDC 2023.

iOS 17 Messages — 8 biggest changes coming to your iPhone

By Philip Michaels published 10 June 23

The Messages app on your iPhone is getting some new features with iOS 17. Here's what we know so far about what's coming to iOS 17 Messages.

iOS 17 developer beta is open to anyone — here's how to download it now

By Philip Michaels published 7 June 23

You don't have to wait for the iOS 17 public beta to try out the new version of Apple's iPhone software. Right now, anyone with an Apple ID can grab the iOS 17 developer beta.

Best prepaid phone plans in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 3 August 23

The best prepaid phone plans can save you money on your monthly cell phone bill. Here are the best options we found from a variety of carriers.

Best unlimited data plans in 2023

By Philip Michaels last updated 26 September 23

Lots of wireless carriers promise limitless data, but only one can have the best unlimited data plan. Here’s the plan you should sign up for to save money.

Apple Vision Pro doesn’t solve my biggest problem with VR headsets

By Philip Michaels published 7 June 23

There's a big problem with VR headsets — anyone putting one on looks ridiculous. And the Apple Vision Pro is no exception to the rule.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and more

By Philip Michaels last updated 26 July 23

The next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event is happening tomorrow. Here's what to expect from the next big Samsung product launch this summer.

WWDC 2023 recap: All the big announcements

By Philip Michaels last updated 9 June 23

This year's WWDC saw the debut of the Apple Reality Pro, a new mixed reality headset. But there were new Macs and software updates in a news-packed keynote. Here's what you might have missed.

an image of an iPhone with Amazon Prime on it

Amazon Prime says it's not adding wireless benefits to Prime [Update]

By Philip Michaels published 5 June 23

A report had claimed free unlimited data plans could be coming to Amazon Prime

iphone 13 mini leaning against vintage shoes

No iPhone 15 mini? No problem — get one of these small phones instead

By Philip Michaels published 4 June 23

If you're an iPhone user who also appreciates small phones, your options for a new device are shrinking. Here's what your choices could look like after the iPhone 15 launch this fall.

iOS 17 beta release date — when we could see Apple's new iPhone software

By Philip Michaels published 2 June 23

We'll likely get a preview of iOS 17 at WWDC 2023. But when can we expect to see an iOS 17 beta?

iOS 17 — there’s one app I want Apple to add

By Philip Michaels published 2 June 23

If our managing editor for mobile could wish for one thing in iOS 17, it's a standalone app for managing subscriptions. Here's why.

How to watch the WWDC 2023 keynote live stream: Apple headset, new Macs, iOS 17 and more

By Philip Michaels last updated 5 June 23

Apple executives will soon take the stage for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. Follow along by knowing how to watch the WWDC 2023 keynote live stream.

HBO's White House Plumbers streaming on Max

Forget Succession — White House Plumbers is the Max series you really need to binge

By Philip Michaels published 31 May 23

Missed this Watergate mini-series? Now's the chance to catch-up on Max

iOS 17 could transform your iPhone into a smart display — here's how

By Philip Michaels published 30 May 23

A new report claims that iOS 17 could nab one of Android's most useful features for the iPhone by turning a locked device into a smart display.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Models compared

By Richard Priday last updated 19 September 23

Apple's four iPhone 15 models have some important similarities and differences to know about if you're going to buy one. Let us guide you through them.

I looked through my old photos — mobile photography's come a long way in 20 years

By Philip Michaels published 29 May 23

If you really want to appreciate what today's camera phones can do, take a look back at the photos you have that are at least a decade old.

Here’s the one iOS 17 addition I hope Apple delivers

By Philip Michaels published 27 May 23

Of all the rumored changes to iOS 17, our managing editor for mobile hopes that Apple can deliver Active Widgets, as it would be the next logical step in the evolution of widgets on iOS.

Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 camera face-off: Can the cheaper Pixel beat the flagship?

By Philip Michaels published 27 May 23

In this Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 camera face-off, we'll find out if there's really $100 worth of differences in the photos these Google camera phones produce.

The Galaxy S23's Modes and Routines page is where you find how to set up a mode on galaxy s23

This Samsung Galaxy S23 feature can shut down distractions when you need to focus

By Philip Michaels published 26 May 23

If you're distracted by notifications, calls and other noise on your Galaxy S23, here's how you can set up a Mode so that you can better focus.

iOS 16.6 public beta arrives — here's what's new

By Philip Michaels published 24 May 23

The iOS 16.6 update is now available as a public beta, but don't expect many big changes with iOS 17 about to get a preview.

It’s official — Apple sets a date and time for WWDC 2023 keynote

By Philip Michaels published 23 May 23

WWDC 2023 will start things off with a keynote at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Monday, June 5. Here's what you can expect if you watch the live stream.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 render half folded

Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 need to tackle this foldable phone problem

By Philip Michaels published 23 May 23

Up until now, foldable phones haven't offered much in the way of battery life. That needs to change with the devices that are coming out this year.

This iPhone 15 rumor is the only one I care about

By Philip Michaels published 21 May 23

The latest iPhone 15 rumors tip Apple's new phone to feature an upgraded main camera. If so, that's a big deal for potential iPhone shoppers.

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