Why do we need to add FeBr3 for bromination of anisole, but not for bromination of phenol? I understand that we need to add $\ce{FeBr3}$ while brominating benzene in order to polarize the bromine molecule. However, we do not need to add such a Lewis Acid in the case of phenol, because it is activated by the $\ce{-OH}$ group, and so polarizes the bromine molecule on its own. Anisole is also highly activated, however we still add $\ce{FeBr3}$ in order to brominate it. Why?
(An answer which compares bromination in phenol and anisole will be highly appreciated.)
I don't think polarization is the issue. Adding $\ce{FeBr3}$ is just to reduce the $\ce{Br-Br}$ bond strength, speeding up the reaction (attack of the aromatic ring on the bromine is part of the rate determining step, which is slow in the bromination of benzene). It functions as a catalyst being recycled when the $\ce{Br-}$ grabs a $\ce{H+}$ to restore aromaticity in the ring. I'm pretty sure — at least I see no reason to doubt — that the catalyst requirements for the bromination of anisole and the bromination of phenol do not differ much, if at all. That is, no catalyst is required for the bromination of anisole.