
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

The Trump administration wants Apple to build iPhones in the U.S. — here's why that will be hard to pull off
By Philip Michaels published
Trump administration officials are talking about the prospect of bringing tech manufacturing from overseas to the U.S. The iPhone is a good example of why that would be hard to pull off.

Apple brings recipes to News Plus in iOS 18.4 — here's what one foodie thinks
By Philip Michaels published
The iOS 18.4 update brings a new Food section to Apple News Plus that includes recipes among other features. I've explored this addition to see if it makes an Apple News Plus subscription worthwhile.

iPhone 17 Pro — all the rumors and leaks so far
By Philip Michaels published
Here's the latest on rumored features on the iPhone 17 Pro, including potential changes by Apple and what you might pay for the phone due to the Trump tariffs.

Tim Cook is reportedly focused on Apple Glasses — and that could be bad news for the iPhone
By Philip Michaels published
A report claims that Tim Cook's focus is on developing AR glasses. But there's plenty of iPhone improvements that require attention, too.

iPhone 17 Air rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
The slimmest iPhone ever could be arriving in 2025, but you may want to start saving now.

iPhone Flip — all the iPhone Fold rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Rumors about the iPhone Flip are bringing some details about a folding iPhone into focus. Here's a look at what we've heard so far.

Apple Maps is my go-to choice for directions — here's how Apple Intelligence could make it even better
By Philip Michaels published
I turn to Apple Maps on my iPhone when I need to get from one place to another. And I'd like to see Apple Intelligence make those turn-by-turn directions even smarter.

The best cheap cell phone plans 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Want to keep your monthly wireless bill under $40? We've found the best cheap cell phone plans from several different carriers that help you save.

The best prepaid phone plans in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
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.

iPhone 17 vs. Google Pixel 10: Biggest expected changes
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10 figure to duke it out as the choice for people looking for an affordable high-end camera this fall. Here's how the phones compare based on current rumors.

Google Pixel 10 Pro rumors — everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
We're expecting the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL to arrive later this year alongside the Pixel 10. Find out the rumored changes tipped to appear on Google's upcoming Pro models.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge — latest news and everything we know so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
Samsung teased us with a video of the Galaxy S25 Edge, which looks to be a thin version of its just-introduced flagship. But what else can we expect from this new device? And when will it arrive?

iPhone 17 — 5 iPhone 16e lessons Apple should apply to the new iPhone launch
By Philip Michaels published
Apple got some things right with the iPhone 16e — and some things wrong. Here's how it should apply those lessons to the iPhone 17 models coming this fall.

Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air could make this the year of the thin phone — but will shoppers bite?
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to arrive as an ultra-thin phone soon — and it probably won't be the last one we see this year. Let's look at why this new design is all the rage with phone makers.

I didn’t take Nothing Phones seriously — now I think they’re some of the best options under $500
By Philip Michaels published
Forget the goofy name and the unconventional way of buying the phones — the Nothing Phone 3a and Nothing Phone 3a Pro deliver in the areas that count.

Best unlimited data plans in 2025
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 cell phone plans in 2025: 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.

I’ve been testing iOS 18.4 — try these 5 features first after you upgrade
By Philip Michaels published
iOS 18.4 is now available for anyone to download. If you're upgrading, I've got some advice on which features to check out first.

iOS 19 — all the biggest rumors so far
By Philip Michaels last updated
iOS 19 could usher in some of the biggest changes to the iPhone in more than a decade. Here's what we've heard so far.

Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote will be the most important one in years — here's why
By Philip Michaels published
WWDC 2025 gives Apple the opportunity to reset expectations about what's coming with Siri and Apple Intelligence. It's an opportunity the company should take.

I'm a long-time iPhone owner, but I rarely use Apple Intelligence - here's why
By Philip Michaels published
I have the luxury of choosing which iPhone to use on a daily basis — and it's rarely one with Apple Intelligence features. The reason why gets to the heart of why Apple's AI efforts are faltering.

Google Pixel 9a just got an official release date — here's when you can buy it
By Philip Michaels last updated
Google announced the Pixel 9a earlier this month, and now it has set an official release date. Get ready for the Pixel 9a rollout to start April 10, depending on where you are in the world.

Google Pixel 9a vs. OnePlus 13R: Which budget phone is better?
By Philip Michaels published
At less than $500, the Google Pixel 9a figures to set the standard for value phones. But the OnePlus 13R could prove to be a more formidable challenger than you think.
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