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.

iOS 10 software update now available

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 25, 2022

As promised, Apple on Tuesday released iOS 10 for its mobile devices. The software update is free and technically compatible with the iPad 4, iPad mini 2, the iPhone 5, the iPod touch sixth-generation, and all subsequent models.

If you have one of these devices, you can update to iOS 10 by navigating to the Settings app > General > Software Update, and it will install automatically. The update is also on our Downloads page, and you can install it manually by plugging your device into a computer with iTunes installed. Obviously if you're jailbroken, you'll want to steer clear of iOS 10.

Super Mario Run stickers now available on the iMessage App Store

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Nintendo on Monday released its Super Mario Run sticker pack for iMessage. The company announced the move during its surprise appearance at Apple's keynote last week, promising the stickers would be available on day 1 of the iOS 10 launch.

Folks running iOS 10 beta on their device can install the sticker pack for free via the iMessage App Store. Simply open the iMessage App Drawer, tap on the Store icon, and search for 'Mario.' The pack includes 12 fun Mario-themed sticker images.

Bubo, Café Wifi, Odio and other apps to check out this weekend

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

It's been a long week here at iDB, with Apple unveiling the long-awaited iPhone 7, and pre-orders going live on Friday. So now that it's the weekend, we're ready to kick back and relax, and what better way to do that than checking out some new apps and games?

Apple shutters parts of its car project as it rethinks strategy

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple is rethinking what it plans to do about self-driving cars, reports The New York Times. Citing sources familiar with the project, the outlet said on Friday that the company has shuttered parts of its self-driving car project and laid off dozens of employees.

These moves are the latest signs of trouble involving Apple's oft-rumored initiative, codenamed Project Titan. In July it was reported that the team, under new leader Bob Mansfield, had shifted its focus from building a vehicle to an autonomous driving system.

KGI: dual rear camera expected to remain exclusive to iPhone Plus next year

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

The dual-lens camera system introduced on the iPhone 7 Plus this year is expected to stay exclusive to Apple's larger 5.5-inch handset in 2017, reports KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst issued a new research report on Friday, claiming that high costs and the need to differentiate high end iPhone models is likely to keep the feature Plus-only next year.

7 great Bluetooth headphones for your new iPhone 7

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Now that you've ordered your iPhone 7 and picked out a case, it's time to think about getting another accessory: Bluetooth headphones. With Apple choosing to remove the 3.5mm jack from its latest handset, wireless headphones make the perfect companion for your new gadget.

As for which model to get, Apple's just-announced AirPods look pretty cool. But between their steep $160 price tag and unproven real-world performance, we think there are some better options out there. Here is a list of 7 great pairs of Bluetooth headphones for your new iPhone 7.

Shipping estimates for iPhone 7 pre-orders quickly slipping

Cody Lee ∙ September 9, 2016

It's just been half an hour since Apple's new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus handsets went on sale, and shipping estimates for select models have already dropped dramatically. The average delivery window now seems to be 4-6 weeks out, with the AT&T iPhone 7 Plus in Jet Black simply showing "November" for the expected shipping date for both storage configurations.

The iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 are now available for pre-order

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

The iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 are now available for pre-order. Folks in participating launch countries can now place orders for the new devices on Apple's website, the mobile Apple Store app, or via their wireless carrier.

As we mentioned in our Pro Tips guide to pre-ordering, the easiest way to place your order is through the mobile app. Apple's site tends to get bogged down with the influx of traffic, and carrier website health is hard to predict.

6 great iPhone 7 cases you can buy right now

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Once you've made the decision to purchase an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, the next thing you'll want to consider is what kind of case you're going to get for it. With a starting price tag of $650, and some models prone to fine micro-abrasions, you're definitely going to want to protect your new handset.

There are several types of cases already available for the iPhone 7, including thinner slim-fit cases, bulkier rugged cases, and those with built-in credit card slots so you can leave your wallet at home. So we decided to round up some of our favorites in an effort to help you with your selection.

Apple’s free app of the week: Blek

Cody Lee ∙ September 8, 2016

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with the game Blek. This critically-acclaimed title is an Apple Design Award-Winner, and for the next few days you can get it for free on both iPhone and iPad—a solid savings of $3.

The goal in Blek is simple: shape a line that collects all colored circles while avoiding black holes on its route. There are no specific moves to master, and potential level solutions range from delightfully simple to exceptionally deep and complex.

Roundup: first impressions of Apple Watch Series 2, iPhone 7 & AirPods

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Following its big iPhone 7 event this morning, Apple gave journalists the opportunity to go hands-on with some of the new products it announced today including the iPhone 7, Apple Watch Series 2, and AirPods. And as usual, we've rounded up some videos of these first impressions so you can get a better look at the new hardware.

Watch the product videos from today’s iPhone 7 event

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Apple has posted the product videos shown during today's iPhone 7 event to its YouTube channel. Included in the spots are clips showing off the Apple Watch Series 2, the iPhone 7, and the all-new, wireless, in-ear headphones it's calling "AirPods."

Of course if you missed the keynote this morning, we recommend watching a replay of it in its entirety, or at the very least check out this humorous highlight reel. But for folks who just want to get to the meat of the event, these videos will do the trick.