Cody Lee

Cody Lee, iDownloadBlog.com’s longest-serving Editor, joined the site in 2008. He specializes in uncovering the best deals on Apple products, apps, and accessories. With years of experience in technology journalism, Cody helps readers save money while staying informed about the latest trends and updates in the Apple ecosystem. Cody’s history with smartphones goes almost as far back as he does. As the son of a Nokia employee, he was exposed early on to handsets like the N91 and the Communicator. He has since been involved in nearly every aspect of the mobile phone industry. While going to college, he worked at a Nokia factory, building handsets, and later moved on to a sales position at a major wireless carrier.

macOS Sierra software update is now available

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple on Tuesday released macOS Sierra for its laptop and desktop computers. The software update is free, and compatible with iMacs and MacBooks from 2009 or later, as well as MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, Mac Minis and Mac Pros from 2010 or later.

If you own any of the above hardware, you can update to macOS Sierra by navigating to the Mac App Store and locating the macOS Sierra page (or you can just search the App Store for macOS Sierra). Click on 'Download' and follow the on-screen instructions.

Enjoy 2 months of Apple Music for free with this gift card deal

Cody Lee ∙ September 19, 2016

Current (or potential future) Apple Music users are going to want to check out this deal from PayPal. The e-payment company is offering a gift card good for a 1-year subscription to Apple's streaming music service for just $99.

Since an individual subscription to Apple Music is typically $9.99/month, this makes for a ~$20 discount—or 2 free months of service. The gift card can be purchased via PayPal's eBay store and is delivered within minutes by email.

James Corden pitches commercial ideas in new Apple Music ad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Apple on Sunday night aired a new Apple Music ad during the 2016 Emmy Awards starring "Late Late Show" host James Corden. The spot is called "The all-new Apple Music," and it highlights the content and discovery features of the company's streaming service.

In the humorous clip, Corden pitches Apple Music commercial ideas to executives Jimmy Iovine, Eddy Cue and Bozoma Saint John. As you can imagine, most of Corden's concepts are off-the-wall, and in the end the team decides the collaboration isn't going to work.

Hardbound, Couchy, RAW and other apps to check out this weekend

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 9, 2024

It's been a crazy week, what with the iPhone 7 launch and all. So we know everyone is ready to kick back and relax this weekend with some fun new apps and games. The latest edition of our Apps of the Week roundup includes a unique reading app, a TV series manager, and a new raw camera app. Plus we have a couple of new games for you to check out.

7 screen protectors for your new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

If you pre-ordered the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, or are hoping to score one in-store during launch weekend, you're going to want to start thinking about accessories. We've already recommended some good cases and Bluetooth headphones, and now it's time to talk about screen protectors.

Despite its largely familiar design, the iPhone 7 features a few tiny changes (wider earpiece, for example) that likely mean your iPhone 6 and 6s screen protectors won't fit properly. But never fear, we've rounded up some great, inexpensive options to help keep your screen scratch-free.

Apple’s free app of the week: Super Phantom Cat

Cody Lee ∙ September 15, 2016

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with the game Super Phantom Cat. This means that for the next 7 days, you can download this popular retro platformer for both iPhone and iPad for free—a solid savings of $2.

This charming side scroller is beloved for its beautiful retro graphics and whimsical character design, retro styling, and easy Mario-esque controls. It also features an awesome chip tune soundtrack, unlockable characters, and bonus levels.

Apple: iPhone 7 launch supply very limited, Plus and Jet Black models sold out

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple late Wednesday night issued a statement to several news outlets regarding launch day supply of its new iPhone 7. We've got the full text below, but the gist of it is that it doesn't sound like you'll be able to walk into an Apple store on Friday and buy an iPhone 7 Plus or any model in the new Jet Black colorway.

MKBHD unboxes iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

Cody Lee ∙ September 14, 2016

Popular YouTube tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, known by many as MKBHD, has posted an unboxing video for both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The 5 minute clip offers an up-close look at both handsets, in Black and Jet Black respectively, as well as the design and contents of their packaging. Check it out below.

Apple hires former Time Warner Cable executive to work on cloud services

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple has hired former Time Warner Cable executive Peter Stern as a vice president working on cloud services, reports The Wall Street Journal. Stern left TWC earlier this year after it was bought out by rival Charter Communications.

The new VP will report to Eddy Cue, who oversees businesses like the iTunes Store and Apple Music. Mr. Stern has deep knowledge of the cable industry's economics, and relationships with a number of major media companies.

15 iMessage apps and sticker packs to download on iOS 10

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 17, 2019

One of the headlining features in the just-released iOS 10 update is the new Messages app. It now includes support for iMessage animations, sketches, enhanced emoji, and third-party apps and sticker packs.

As such, there has been a number of app updates and new releases today with a focus on the new iMessage platform. And we thought it'd be handy for our readers if we rounded up 15 of our favorite downloads.

tvOS 10 update for Apple TV now available

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Hot on the heels of iOS 10 and watchOS 3, Apple on Tuesday released tvOS 10. The software update is available free and compatible with all fourth-gen Apple TVs—the latest generation of Apple's popular set-top box.

tvOS 10 should install automatically on your Apple TV, but depending on your settings you may have to push it manually. You can do this by navigating to System > Software Updates > Update Software on your device.

watchOS 3 update for Apple Watch now available

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

In addition to iOS 10, Apple on Tuesday also released watchOS 3 for the Apple Watch. The update, which has been in beta for the past 3 months, is free and compatible with all available models of the Apple Watch.

To install the new software, you'll have to ensure your iPhone is on iOS 10. Once that's confirmed, simply open the Watch app and navigate to General > Software Update. Your Watch must be within range of your iPhone on Wi-Fi, connected to its charger, and have at least 50% battery life.