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.

Upshot, Roger, Patternator and other apps to check out this weekend

Whether you're looking to load up your new iPhone SE or 9.7-inch iPad Pro with some apps and games, or you're just looking for some new titles to try out this weekend, you're going to want to check out our latest Apps of the Week roundup. The list includes a new way to share photos, a pattern-creator and of course Nintendo's long-awaited mobile release.

Creative video app CHOMP goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Apple on Thursday updated its App of the Week promotion with CHOMP, by Christoph Niemann. This means that from now through next Thursday, you can pick up the popular interactive storybook app for free for both iPhone and iPad—a solid $3 savings.

CHOMP combines playful, humorous, hand-drawn animations with live video, enabling children and adults alike to slip into a variety of comical roles. From a virtuous pianist, to a spaghetti-slurping dog, or a living cuckoo-clock, almost anything is possible!

Skype for iPhone updated with new Bots feature

Skype received an update on Wednesday, bringing the iPhone app to version 6.13. The change log in the App Store says the release just features "General Improvements," but a quick look at the official Skype blog shows that's not the case.

During today’s Build 2016 conference, Microsoft introduced a new feature called Skype Bots. The company describes these Bots as "a new way to bring expertise, products, services and entertainment into your daily messaging on Skype."

Instagram increasing video time limit to 60 seconds

Instagram on Tuesday announced that it's increasing the time limit on videos from 15 seconds to 60 seconds. The move is part of a broader effort to give users "more fun, flexible and creative ways to create and watch video content" on IG.

The social network says that within the last 6 months, time users spent watching video increased by more than 40%. And it's hoping that the increased clip length, along with reenabling multi-clip uploads, will help it continue that growth.

DOJ unlocks San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone, withdraws case against Apple

FBI and Apple logos

The Department of Justice filed a request on Monday, asking the court to vacate its order to compel Apple to assist agents in unlocking an iPhone. As expected, the FBI was able to crack the handset without the company's assistance.

The filing comes a week after the DOJ asked the court to postpone its hearing with Apple, claiming it had found a possible method for accessing the data stored on an iPhone 5c, which belonged to San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook.

Apps to check out this weekend: Noted, How Many Saturdays? and more

It's been a long week. Apple introduced a new iPhone, a new iPad, new Apple Watch accessories and it also released several software updates for its various platforms. So now that it's the weekend, it's time to kick up your feet, relax and check out some new apps and games. And as usual, we've put together a great list of suggestions for you.

DOJ postpones Apple hearing, says it has possible method to unlock iPhone

FBI and Apple logos

The Department of Justice on Monday asked to postpone a court hearing set for tomorrow on the high profile case of whether or not Apple should be forced to help the FBI break into an iPhone, reports Politico. Their request was granted.

For months, the DOJ has insisted they needed Apple's help to break into the handset, as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation. Apple has steadfastly resisted, citing dangerous precedent, but the government may not need its help after all.

The differences between the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Apple on Monday announced a new 9.7-inch iPad that it's calling the iPad Pro. Instead of continuing on with its 'Air' branding, the company decided that the performance and feature set of its newest tablet called for more prestigious 'Professional' labeling.

The move makes sense, given how much the smaller iPad Pro has in common with its larger sibling, but there are also several differences between the two tablets. In fact, we felt that there were enough differences that it was worth compiling a list of them.

Apple introduces new iPhone SE cases, also compatible with iPhone 5 and 5s

Looking for a case for that new iPhone SE you're getting later this week? Apple has you covered. The company on Monday introduced a new leather case for its just-announced handset. It comes in colors Black and Midnight Blue, and Apple says it's compatible with older iPhone 5 and 5s models.

This is good news for folks hoping to use their old iPhone 5/5s cases on the new iPhone SE. We've known that the dimensions on the different phone models are the same, 4.87 in (123.8 mm) x 2.31 in (58.6 mm) x 0.30 in (7.6 mm), but this is the first time Apple has confirmed case compatibility.

Apple pushes further into health space with CareKit

In addition to new iPhones and iPads, Apple on Monday also announced a new software framework called CareKit. The initiative is an extension to ResearchKit, which launched last year to give hospitals and University's a way to conduct broad medical studies using iOS devices.

CareKit uses similar principles to help individuals keep track of care plans, as well as monitor their symptoms and medication. The goal is to provide insights that help people better understand their health, which may encourage them to take a more active role in their wellbeing.

Apple’s event kicks off with talk of encryption battle, environmental impact, health and more

Tim Cook on Monday kicked off Apple's long-awaited March media event with his usual introduction. The CEO's first announcement was that Apple now has 1 billion devices being using around the globe, and then as expected, he took a moment to briefly talk about the company's ongoing fight with the FBI over encryption.

Cook thanked everyone for their support of Apple in what he believes is one of the biggest privacy battles of our generation. He then brought up Apple's VP of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, to talk about Apple's progress in reducing its environmental impact. We have more highlights from the intro below.

Blocs Wave, ProtonMail and other apps to check out this weekend

Its the anticipation of Apple's upcoming iPhone SE event killing you? Don't worry, we have a great list of apps for you to check out this weekend to help you pass the time. We have a new app that helps you create music, a new email client, and a new game that allows you to create your own Disney amusement park.