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.

Dropbox updated with support for iOS 9, 3D Touch and more

Cody Lee ∙ September 16, 2015

Dropbox joins the onslaught of app updates today, following Apple's release of iOS 9. The new version of the cloud-based storage provider's iOS client is labeled 4.0, and it brings about a number of improvements, including support for some of iOS 9's new features.

Folks with the new Dropbox app on iOS 9 will see Dropbox files in Spotlight search results. This includes recently used files, plus any marked for offline access, and a quick tap will open them in-app. Additionally, any Dropbox link you tap on will open within the app.

Apple acquires mapping visualization startup Mapsense

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2016

Apple has acquired Mapsense, a San Francisco-based startup that specializes in tools for analyzing and visualizing location data, Recode reports. A spokesperson confirmed the buyout, saying "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

The deal is said to be worth anywhere between $25 million and $30 million, and it includes Mapsense's 12-person team and technology. That tech includes a cloud-based tool that allows users to manipulate graphical models of maps that hold huge sums of data, and a recently launched platform for developers.

1Password 6 is out with new design, support for iOS 9 features and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

AgileBits on Wednesday pushed out a significant update for their 1Password iOS app, bringing the popular password manager to version 6.0. The release includes a number of new features and improvements, including a refreshed design and broader support for iOS 9.

The new look isn't a major departure from its predecessor, but it's instantly noticeable. The developers said that they felt 1Password had become a bit "too monochrome," so they decided to brighten things up. You'll also notice new category icons and an improved browser.

AT&T raises LTE throttling threshold for unlimited customers to 22GB

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

AT&T on Wednesday updated its website with a minor but noteworthy change to its throttling policy. The carrier says it will no longer throttle subscribers on grandfathered unlimited data plans in congested areas until they surpass 22GB of data in a single bill cycle.

The move represents a significant change from AT&T's previous stance on throttling, which was to start slowing down unlimited data plan customers in high-traffic areas after just 5GB of usage, and it probably has something to do with the FCC's $100 million fine.

Apple Pay adds support for 46 new US banks and credit unions

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple on Tuesday added 46 new banks and credit unions to the growing list of Apple Pay-supporting issuers in the United States. With these additions, Apple Pay is now compatible with more than 500 financial institutions nationwide.

Launched in October of last year, Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that allows users to pay for goods and services using their iPhone or Apple Watch. It’s accepted at hundreds of thousands of retailers and restaurants around the country.

Facebook working on a ‘Dislike’ button

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Facebook is working on a 'Dislike' button, reports CNBC. CEO and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the news himself during a public Q&A session on Tuesday. "People have asked about the 'Dislike' button for many years ... and today is a special day, because today is the day that I actually get to say we are working on it and are very close to shipping a test of it."

Launch Center Pro updated with Today widget, support for new apps

Cody Lee ∙ September 15, 2015

Popular productivity app Launch Center Pro was updated today, bringing the software to version 2.5. The new release includes a series of bug fixes and improvements, support for over 100,000 new apps, and a Today widget for Notification Center.

The new widget is a significant addition for users, as it allows them to place up to 12 of their favorite Launch Center actions in the Notification Center. So you can send a group text, start a new Tumblr post and more, regardless of where you're at in iOS.

The iPhone 6s is now available for pre-order

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Following their unveilings on Wednesday, Apple has made both the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus available for online pre-order. As usual, folks initially had a hard time getting orders to through on Apple's website, and I had a terrible time with AT&T, but all portals should be working now.

If you're still having issues, we highly recommend trying out the Apple Store app, which you can download here. It offers a more streamlined buying experience and supports Apple Pay. For those trying to pre-order an unlocked iPhone, you may want to check out our tutorial here.

Tim Cook to appear on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert next week

Cody Lee ∙ September 11, 2015

Apple CEO Tim Cook will appear on the new "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" next week. Colbert made the announcement himself via Twitter, posting a picture of him using an Apple Watch asking Siri to add Cook to his calendar.

For those unfamiliar with the program, the Late Show is a primetime talk show that began in the early 90's with host David Letterman. In May, Letterman retired, and popular TV personality Stephen Colbert took his place this month.

Apple’s online store goes down ahead of iPhone 6s pre-orders

Cody Lee ∙ September 11, 2015

Apple has just taken its online store down, ahead of its pre-order launch for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Beginning at 12:01 am Pacific Time, or 3:01 am Eastern Time tomorrow, customers will be able to place pre-orders for both of the handsets.

Apple unveiled its new smartphones at a major media event on Wednesday. Although they look similar to their predecessors, they offer several new features including faster processors, better iSight and FaceTime cameras, and of course 3D Touch.

Jony Ive talks Hermès Apple Watch partnership in new interview

Cody Lee ∙ September 11, 2015

In a new interview with The Wall Street Journal, Apple design chief Jony Ive reveals that the company spoke to Hermès regarding a possible Apple Watch partnership before the product was announced to the public last fall. "It’s something highly unusual for Apple to do—to talk about an unannounced project,” he explained.

For those who missed the news on Wednesday, Apple unveiled an all new Hermès edition of the Apple Watch that starts at $1,100. The device features custom watch faces, and a Hermès leather band that's available in multiple colors and three different styles: double tour, single tour and cuff.

Volkswagen posts new ad highlighting late model CarPlay support

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2016

Volkswagen on Thursday posted a new commercial to its US YouTube channel entitled "Volkswagen App-Connect saves a bromance," which highlights support for connect apps and Apple's CarPlay platform in its late model vehicles.

The clip features Adam Scott, from Parks and Recreation fame, and prolific big-screen star Michael Pena. The two are shown in a vehicle using Siri and other CarPlay features as they work through way through a humorous argument.