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.

AT&T to stop offering two-year phone contracts next month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

AT&T plans to stop offering two-year phone contracts next month, reports Engadget. The outlet on Wednesday published an internal document that says the carrier will launch a "pricing simplification effort" on January 8 that will effectively get rid of contracts.

According to the document, starting on the 8th, AT&T Next and full-retail will become the only purchase options for smartphones. Folks looking to buy a flip, or "basic," phone from the carrier will also have to choose between paying full-retail or an installment plan.

iOS 9.2 jailbreak status: what we know so far

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

It's been more than 2 months since Apple killed the iOS 9.0.x jailbreak, and in that time we've seen the public release of iOS 9.1, 9.2, and a beta version of 9.2.1, with no update to the Pangu tool. So as you can imagine, we've received a lot of questions regarding the current status of the jailbreak. Here is what we know so far.

App Santa offering big discounts on 20 popular iOS and Mac apps

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

App Santa is back again this holiday season with a number of discounts on your favorite apps. From now through December 26th, it's offering up to 80% off popular iOS and Mac apps. So whether you've been good or bad this year, you can still score a great deal on top software.

Beam is a media-focused Reddit client that’s worth checking out

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

I'm not what I would consider a typical Reddit user. I don't belong to any Subreddits, I don't think I've ever posted anything, and I've only voted on a handful of articles. I really just use the site's FrontPage as a source of news, cute puppy pictures and the occasional funny video.

As you can imagine, most iOS Reddit clients—like Alien Blue—are overkill for my needs, so a few months ago I set out to find an app with a specific focus on media and browsing. I believe I found that app in "Beam for reddit," so I figured I'd take a few moments to share it with you.

Tim Cook says Apple tax avoidance talk is ‘total political crap’

Cody Lee ∙ December 18, 2015

60 Minutes on Friday shared a one minute clip from its upcoming interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook. In the preview, Charlie Rose asks for Cook's thoughts regarding Apple's congressional tax hearing, which found the company to be engaged in a "sophisticated scheme" to avoid taxes on its $74 billion held overseas.

"That is total political crap," Cook says. "There is no truth behind it. Apple pays every tax dollar we owe." He explains that Apple does a lot of business overseas, which is why a lot of its revenues are overseas, and although the company would like to bring that cash back to the United States, it would cost 40% to do so.

Charlie Rose offering inside look at Jony Ive’s design lab, new store design on Sunday

Cody Lee ∙ December 17, 2015

Noted journalist and television talk show host Charlie Rose will be offering an inside look at Jony Ive's design lab and new store design on Sunday. CBS' TV series 60 Minutes announced Rose's upcoming segment via Twitter late Thursday evening.

According to the tweets, 60 Minutes will be showing footage from inside Jonathan Ive’s secret design studio at Apple's headquarters—an area few outsiders have traveled. In one of the tweets, a photo shows Ive explaining a design process to Rose.

Apple announces UnionPay deal to bring Apple Pay to China in early 2016

Cody Lee ∙ December 17, 2015

Apple on Thursday announced that it has reached a deal with China UnionPay to bring Apple Pay to China in early 2016. The partnership will allow UnionPay cardholders to take advantage of Apple's mobile payment system on iPhone, Apple Watch and within apps on iPad.

Using Apple Pay in Chinese stores will be as simple as holding your iPhone near a UnionPay QuickPass-enabled POS terminal with your finger on Touch ID. And with Apple Watch, you'll be able to double click the side button and hold the watch face up to the contactless reader.

Cartoon Network’s Attack the Light game goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ December 17, 2015

Apple on Thursday refreshed its weekly App of the Week promotion with a new game called Attack the Light - Steven Universe Light RPG. You can find the title, which is based on the hit Cartoon Network show, in the App Store for free for the next 7 days.

The game is of the roleplaying adventure variety, in which you must help Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems capture missing monsters. Throughout your journey, you'll encounter various puzzles and tactical challenges that will help your character level up.

Rockstar brings Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories to iPhone and iPad

Cody Lee ∙ December 17, 2015

GTA fans rejoice! Rockstar Games has ported another title from its popular franchise over to iOS. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is now available in the App Store for iPhone and iPad, for $6.99.

Liberty City Stories follows former-wise-guy-turned-hit-man Toni Cipriani as he returns home to Liberty City. During his absence, the city became overrun with political corruption, drug trafficking and union strikes, and it's up to Toni and the Leone family to get things back under control.

Apple Music launches “Star Wars” radio station

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Apple on Wednesday joined the chorus of other tech companies looking to capitalize on the popularity of the new Star Wars movie, by rolling out a dedicated radio station in Apple Music. You can find the new station in the 'Radio' section of the Music app on iOS, or in iTunes.

As you'd expect, Star Wars radio plays through a library of memorable music from past movies. In my short time listening to the station, I heard the popular Main Title/Rebel Blockade Runner, Yoda's Theme, Emperor Arrives, and a slew of sound effects like R2-D2 beeping.

Cut the Rope 2 goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ December 10, 2015

Apple on Thursday named ZeptoLab's Cut the Rope 2 its App of the Week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you'll be able to pick up the popular physics-based puzzler for free for both iPhone and iPad—a small but notable savings of a buck.

For those who aren't familiar with Cut the Rope, it's a cross-platform gaming franchise that revolves around feeding candy to a little green creature named Om Nom. Version 2 features new locations to explore, new characters, and fresh gameplay elements.

Apple adds Pittsburgh, Detroit and other new Flyover locations to Maps

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Apple on Wednesday added 11 new locations to the 3D Flyover feature in its iOS and OS X Maps applications. The new spots include major cities such as Detroit, Pamplona and Pittsburgh.

First introduced when Apple Maps launched in 2012, the Flyover feature allows users to take interactive, three-demensional virtual tours of various points of interest from around the world.