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
![App Store Outage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bDrah4EGsZmxanxfC4fkb7-320-80.jpg)
Apple App Store and Apple TV Plus down for an hour in a massive outage
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's online service, including Apple TV Plus, the App Store and Apple Arcade, were offline for an hour Wednesday evening. But service appeared to have returned shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET.
![best samsung galaxy z Fold 4 cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hckh3uhYiG4tDrU5TwBqWB-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be older, but you still don't want it to succumb to damage from a drop. Bheck out the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cases that we've found in a variety of designs.
![Unofficial renders of the iPhone SE 4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XiurTrzVS8whJ6cdfkR2te-320-80.jpg)
The iPhone SE 4 should launch at WWDC 2024 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
You don't normally think of Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference as an ideal venue to launch a new version of Apple's cheapest iPhone. But these are not normal times.
![Bellroy Leather Case, one of the Best Google Pixel 6a cases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F95UiNjQuiZbQMMfv9BJXk-320-80.jpeg)
Best Google Pixel 6a cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
If you want to squeeze more life out of your Pixel 6a, pick up one of the best Google Pixel 6a cases. It's an easy way to keep your phone from suffering fatal damage from a drop.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra hands-on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gwFQ94Ms8ykgbj3hQUmRbV-320-80.jpg)
The worst thing about the Galaxy S24 is coming back for the Galaxy S25
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung will once again use different chipsets in its various Galaxy S25 models, according to reports. Samsung did the same thing with this year's Galaxy S24.
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Review Photos.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AXVVHkjeLLswvqYYc8R3wS-320-80.jpg)
Samsung made a big mistake with the Galaxy S24 — here's why
By Philip Michaels last updated
Galaxy S24 an S24 Plus models deliver different experiences, depending on where you live
![Google Pixel 8 shown held in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gDrCU4uNsPHujh48d9NRMT-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a price — why I’m worried about Google’s new phone
By Philip Michaels last updated
Pixel 8a rumors suggest Google is adapting plenty of the Pixel 8's features. And that's great — if it doesn't push up the price of Google's midrange phone.
![iPhone 15 and iPhone 12](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wTk8Aw9GFt9kMB9GAThz5n-320-80.jpg)
I’ve been reviewing iPhones for over a decade — here’s 3 questions to ask before you upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
Apple wants you to upgrade your iPhone — should you?
![iOS 18 logo on iPhone in person's lap](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpXF6F6f4rs4WNejjKc36c-320-80.jpg)
iOS 18 reportedly 'biggest' update in history — 9 upgrades coming to your iPhone
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 18 figures to be a very major update to Apple's iPhone software. We look at the top rumored features coming to your phone.
![best at&t pans](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rB3XibBpZz3VTj5XBwnjuT-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Visible review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UU8osCsC3eEiwT28fu8cT8-320-80.jpg)
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.
![An image showing the Samsung Galaxy S24 with the Circle to Search feature being used on screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EaYBgece9ATb3WQ8krRv7g-320-80.jpg)
One UI 6.1 update rolls out this week — here’s which phones get Galaxy AI features
By Philip Michaels published
Starting March 28, Samsung's One UI 6.1 software rolls out to last years' Galaxy S23 phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, bringing Galaxy AI features from the S24 flagships.
![Google Pixel 6a review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/egEbZLbYVvsRdSJpzv34yY-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a launch now looks imminent as Pixel 6a gets discontinued
By Philip Michaels published
Google has stopped selling the Pixel 6a from its online story, leaving the Pixel 7a as the company's only midrange phone. That's fueling speculation that the Pixel 8a will launch soon.
![active widgets on iOS 17](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xu6iHsmbykSacoftyMpnLK-320-80.jpeg)
I'm a long-time iPhone user — here are the customization features I want to see in iOS 18
By Philip Michaels published
Big changes are coming to your iPhone this year
![Midrange phone guide nothing phone 2a vs oneplus 12r vs galaxy a55 vs pixel 7a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rALgzSgzF7mTxAuZTgnFYb-320-80.jpg)
Midrange phones compared: OnePlus 12R vs Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Pixel 8a vs Nothing Phone 2a
By Philip Michaels published
Looking for a phone that won't break the bank? You've come to the right place
![apple legal case](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YcdCL5YoBnzy7vuQejxoDh-320-80.jpg)
Apple vs DOJ: 5 biggest allegations in the antitrust suit
By Philip Michaels published
We've gone through the Justice Department's 86-page filing accusing Apple of anti-competitive practies — here's what stood out.
![apple logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/whpxAAQt3vPUfUivV8ueYS-320-80.jpg)
Apple sued by US government over iPhone monopoly — what you need to know
By Philip Michaels published
The U.S. Justice Department, joined by 16 states, is bringing a lawsuit against Apple that alleges the company is blocking App Store alternatives and driving up costs for consumers.
![Tim Cook on stage at Apple event](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/njyLr4qhJuS9rv3NzYtfrL-320-80.jpg)
Apple product roadmap — here are the 5 upcoming products that excite me the most
By Philip Michaels published
Get ready for a lot of Apple gear between now and 2027
![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a3CoC5unESqSYNeGQRsiZc-320-80.jpg)
Galaxy Z Fold 6 FE — 3 things Samsung must get right with its cheaper foldable
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung needs to be careful when deciding what foldable features to scale back on
![Snapdragon 8s Gen 3](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p33MsQzrKhm2SGN5AHXqcU-320-80.jpg)
Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip to bring AI features to more affordable Android phones
By Philip Michaels last updated
Qualcomm is introducing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a less powerful version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 that still offers on-device AI capabilities.
![iPhone 16 prototypes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nvFJS8JLoSRCXxbdehohm4-320-80.jpg)
This iPhone 16 rumored change could fix the biggest design flaw
By Philip Michaels published
A leaked iPhone 16 CAD render shows off changes to the phone's design. And our managing editor for mobile hopes that means a better-looking camera array on the next iPhone.
![Google Pixel 8a leaked render from @OnLeaks](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4PBY4X4pb56GV4Mngm5Pvn-320-80.jpg)
Google Pixel 8a excitement is building — but this rumor could kill that
By Philip Michaels published
A website with a good track record for phone rumors claims that the Pixel 8a will cost more than its predecessor. If so, that's a bad move on Google's part.
![Galaxy A35](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wtPSEXoocfxgkxtszcDJHL-320-80.jpg)
Meet the Galaxy A35 — the midrange phone that will go toe-to-toe with the Pixel 7a in the U.S.
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung goes in a different direction with its midrange phones
![Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy A54](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BFiwUmT2HbKdz3UPPcxYHe-320-80.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. Galaxy A54 — here's the biggest upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
Not a lot has changed, but the Galaxy A55 introduces some key differences from its predecessor. Here's our Samsung Galaxy A55 vs. Galaxy A54 comparison to show you what's new.
![betting odds on display in apple sports app](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LULfDSsL37YcpsBunsCjUd-320-80.jpg)
The Apple Sports app includes betting odds — here's how to make them disappear
By Philip Michaels published
Apple's Sports app packs in a lot of information, including gambling odds. If you'd prefer not to show that, we can tell you what setting to adjust to remove betting odds from the Sports app.