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
Apple made a key change with the iPhone 16, and it's made all the difference for the new phone
By Philip Michaels published
After two years of using different silicon in different iPhone models, Apple equipped every iPhone 16 with some version of the A18 system-on-chip. Here's why that's the right move.
I used Apple Intelligence to create a Memory Movie from my photos — here's how it went
By Philip Michaels published
Memory Movie in iOS 18.1 lets you use text prompts to create a slideshow out of your photos and videos. Here are some first impressions of this Apple Intelligence feature.
How to download the iOS 18.1 public beta
By Philip Michaels last updated
Even with iOS 18's release, the betas continue. The new iOS 18.1 public beta gives you a chance to try out Apple Intelligence features before they arrive in an October iOS 18 update.
iOS 18.1 public beta is live — here's the Apple Intelligence features you can try now
By Philip Michaels published
A day before the iPhone 16 goes on sale, Apple is releasing an iOS 18.1 public beta that gives people with compatible phones the chance to try out Apple Intelligence features.
Should you upgrade to iPhone 16? Here's who should buy and skip from iPhone 12 all the way up
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to decide whether to stick with your aging iPhone or upgrade to a new iPhone 16? We'll break it down, model by model, to show you the pros and cons of jumping to a new phone.
Best Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels published
When you spend $1,799 on a new phone, you want to keep it in tip-top shape. The best Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold cases can do just that for Google's latest foldable.
I’ve been using iOS 18 for three months — here’s my favorite new features
By Philip Michaels published
I've been trying out iOS 18 since the first developer developer beta dropped in June so I know this update inside and out. Here's what I like about iOS 18 and what I don't.
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.
New Tile key trackers launch with emergency alert feature
By Philip Michaels published
Tile trackers get an update for the first time in a couple years and in addition to longer range and louder alarms, the key finders now let you send SOS alerts to designated contacts in an emergency.
Galaxy S25 — 5 things Samsung needs to learn from the iPhone 16 launch
By Philip Michaels published
Here's how the Galaxy S25 can top the newly released iPhones
I bought an iPhone 15 ahead of the iPhone 16 launch — and I don’t regret it
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16 certainly introduces some key enhancements. But if you bought a phone ahead of Apple's iPhone 16 launch, you shouldn't be kicking yourself. Here's why.
4 reasons to buy iPhone 15 over iPhone 16 — and what you’re giving up
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 15 remains a part of Apple's current phone lineup, selling at a lower price. Here's what to consider if you opt for the older model over the iPhone 16.
Best T-Mobile cell phone plans in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our guide to the best T-Mobile cell phone plans can help you find a great price on wireless coverage for families, seniors or anyone who needs unlimited data.
Best AT&T phone plans in 2024: What's right for you?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for a monthly data plan at AT&T? Here's what you can expect to pay whether you're signing up for one of AT&T's best data plans for families or individuals.
Apple 'Glowtime' event latest news — iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4 and more
By Philip Michaels, Mark Spoonauer last updated
Apple's Glowtime product launch event introduced us to the iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4. Get all the details on these products, plus the other updates Apple announced.
iPhone 16 Pro — 7 reasons to upgrade and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple made some big upgrades to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. But are they enough to convince you to buy either phone? Here's our pros and cons.
iPhone 16 — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Should the iPhone 16 be your next phone? Here are the pros and cons.
I’ve covered every iPhone launch since 2007 — these are the 7 best moments
By Philip Michaels published
I was there when Apple released the first iPhone in 2007, and I haven't missed a launch since then. Here's the moments that stand out from over the years.
Apple 'It’s Glowtime' event — 7 biggest announcements we’re excited to see
By Richard Priday last updated
With just a few days to go until the Apple September event, TG staffers answer the question of what they're looking forward to seeing announced on stage in Cupertino.
'Glowtime' event won't feature an iPhone SE 4 surprise — but maybe it should
By Philip Michaels published
Other midrange devices are passing the iPhone by
iPhone 16 release date — when can you buy a new iPhone?
By Philip Michaels last updated
A date is set for Apple's iPhone 16 event. But how soon after the September 9 event will you be able to get a new iPhone?
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14: Biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you've got an iPhone 14, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade. Our iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 14 face-off looks at likely changes coming to the new handsets.
I’ve been following iPhone 16 rumors for a year — here’s the biggest upgrades for each model
By Philip Michaels published
Apple is rumored to be planning lots of changes for the iPhone 16 models. But let's focus on the biggest potential upgrade for each of the four models likely to debut September 9.
Sign up now to get the best Black Friday deals!
Discover the hottest deals, best product picks and the latest tech news from our experts at Tom’s Guide.