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
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: The biggest expected upgrades
By Philip Michaels published
As new as the iPhone 16 models may be, details have started emerging about next year's phones. Here's an early look at how an iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16 comparison is shaping up.
Best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great piece of kit and you'll want to keep it safe from harm. The best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases can help.
iOS 18 Memory Movie is one of Apple Intelligence’s best features — here’s how to use it
By Philip Michaels published
You can use Apple Intelligence to auto-assemble a slideshow on iPhones running iOS 18.1. Here's how to create a Memory Movie.
Best foldable phones of 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
More phone makers than ever are coming out with devices you can fold into more compact designs. These are the best foldable phones we’ve tested.
Don't buy Meta Quest 3 right now — a huge price drop is coming
By Philip Michaels published
You used to have to pay $649 to get a 512GB Meta Quest 3. But that's now the storage in the $499 base model now that the Quest 3s is available.
Best cell phone plans in 2024: The best options for your monthly phone service
By Philip Michaels last updated
Looking for the best cell phone plan for your needs? We’ve rounded up the best choices for family plans, unlimited data and low-cost plans from prepaid carriers.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is here — everything you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now here. Here's what it costs and how it differs from the Pixel Fold that came before it.
Best unlimited data plans in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
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.
Best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
The best iPhone 14 Pro Max cases can keep your precious iPhone looking like new, especially if you happen to drop it.
Best GPS tracker for kids in 2024
By Philip Michaels last updated
Our pick for the best GPS tracker for kids can help pinpoint a lost child’s location, giving worried parents some peace of mind.
Watch iPhone 16 Pro Max drop tested — you’ve got to see this
By Philip Michaels published
Drop-testing by Allstate Protection Plans shows what a 6-foot drop can do to the front and back of an iPhone 16 Pro Max. And the results aren't pretty.
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.
iOS 18 review: A solid update with a big missing piece
By Philip Michaels last updated
Your iPhone gains some new features while waiting on Apple Intelligence
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 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.
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.
iOS 18 arrives — here's how to download the iPhone software update
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18 brings a number of new features to your iPhone. If you're ready to try them out, here's how to install the software update.
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.
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