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.

T-Mobile and Blackberry agree to forgive and forget

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

BlackBerry CEO John Chen announced on Thursday that the handset-maker has resumed its partnership with T-Mobile. You'll recall that the two companies decided to part ways last year following a smartphone promotion where the carrier targeted BlackBerry users with an iPhone 5s offer.

Chen says the new agreement won't result in him wearing magenta shirts, but he concedes that it's the right move for both customers and shareholders. "Expanding availability of BlackBerry's products and services to T-Mobile's tens of millions of U.S. customers is an important step for us."

Apple releases Safari 8.0.6 with security fixes

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple this afternoon released Safari updates for Yosemite (8.0.6), Mavericks (7.1.6), and Mountain Lion (6.2.6). The new versions include fixes for multiple memory corruption issues in WebKit, which Apple says could lead to arbitrary code execution or unexpected application termination when visiting a maliciously-crafted website.

Everything Changes: Apple highlights how iPad can change the way you do things

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple on Wednesday launched a new web ad campaign for its struggling iPad, highlighting ways the tablet can change the way people do things. A new microsite on the company's website showcases a variety of iPad apps that can help with things such as cooking, learning and more.

Much like Apple's previous 'Your Verse' campaign, the message of "Everything changes with iPad" is that the tablet can be helpful in a number of situations. The company has long been trying to convince potential customers that the iPad can be used as more than an entertainment device.

iTunes has a number of great hip-hop albums on sale right now

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

If you're a fan of rap music, or just like to listen to a little bit of everything, you'll want to check out these deals Apple is offering in iTunes right now. For a limited time, more than 200 hip-hop albums are on sale for $5.99.

The albums come from a wide variety of artists, ranging from newer faces like Kendrick Lamar, to old school legends like Big Daddy Kane. There's even some from mainstream heavyweights like Eminem, Jay-Z and Ludacris.

Apple’s Angela Ahrendts was highest-paid female executive in the US last year

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s recently-hired senior vice president of retail and online stores, was the highest-paid female executive in the United States last year. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, Ahrendts was awarded $82.6 million in 2014, including a sign-on bonus and a make-whole grant for money she left on the table at Burberry.

Coming in second on the list was Oracle’s Safra Catz, who raked in $71.2 million in fiscal 2014 for her role as chief financial officer and co-CEO. Rounding out the top 3 highest paid female executives was Yahoo!’s Marissa Mayer who, at 39-years-old, was the highest-paid female chief executive last year, with a salary of $59.1 million.

Apple working with researchers to build ResearchKit apps for gathering DNA data

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple is collaborating with US researchers to launch apps that would allow iPhone owners to get their DNA tested, according to a new report from MIT's Technology Review. The apps are based on ResearchKit, a software platform Apple introduced in March that helps researchers gather data.

If true, Apple would join a growing battle for genetic information. Everyone from Google, to the government, to top universities are spending millions of dollars to amass large databases of DNA info in an effort to uncover clues that would help identify causes and possible cures for diseases.

Mophie introduces new waterproof battery case for iPhone 6

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

On Tuesday, California-based accessory maker Mophie announced its first ever waterproof battery cased called the "Juice Pack H2PROTM." The case is made for the iPhone 6, and features a durable design to protect against drops, dust, dirt and of course, water damage.

The battery pack included in the case is of the 2,750mAh lithium-ion variety, which will allow users to enjoy up to 14 hours of additional talk time, 10 hours of web browsing and 50 hours of music. Mophie says overall, the H2PROTM more than doubles iPhone battery life.

Apple still missing key licensing deals ahead of rumored Beats Music relaunch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple is really cutting it close if it wants to relaunch Beats Music at its developer conference next month. Citing sources familiar with the company's plans, Billboard reports that it is still missing a number of key licensing deals it would need to secure to unveil a new streaming music service.

"A June launch is still attainable," one source tells Billboard. "If any company can do it, they can." However, another source at a major record label tells the publication that there is no way Apple will be able to pull off a June launch for the new service, saying simply that "the deals aren't done."

Apple launches ‘Made for Apple Watch’ program for third-party bands

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Apple on Monday launched an official program for companies to develop third-party bands for the Apple Watch. As noted by 9to5Mac, a website just popped up on Apple's developer portal called 'Creating Bands for Apple Watch,' and it offers up details on a new 'Made for Apple Watch' program.

On the site, Apple explains that Watch bands are "easily changed with simple release buttons and lugs that secure the band to the Apple Watch case." A set of guidelines and a lug profile are provided for those that want to create custom bands, and Apple says official Watch lugs will be available soon.

New Apple TV to feature redesigned remote with touchpad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple is going to unveil a new set-top box in June with a redesigned remote control, according to The New York Times. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the publication says the new remote will feature a touchpad for scrolling, at least two physical buttons, and it will be thicker in size than the current aluminum Apple TV remote.

We've heard multiple reports now indicating that Apple is planning to release new TV-related hardware this summer. The device is expected to be introduced at the World Wide Developers Conference with an updated, slimmer design, the faster A8 chip, and an increase in storage to house an upgraded OS and App Store downloads.

Tweetbot 3 updated with support for new ‘Quote Tweet’ feature

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 30, 2018

The Tapbots issued an update for their iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot 3 today, bringing the app to version 3.6. The release includes a number of bug fixes, and it adds support for the new 'Quote Tweet' feature Twitter rolled out last month.

For those who haven't used the feature yet, it's actually pretty handy. Unlike the typical retweet, which will insert the tweet between quotation marks and count toward your character limit, Quote Tweet embeds the tweet like a card or photo.

Developer builds Apple Watch app that can fully control his Tesla

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Developer Allan Wong posted an interesting video on YouTube today, showcasing his new Apple Watch app Remote S. In the clip, he can be seen using the wearable to control his Tesla Model S, performing tasks such as opening the charging port and adjusting the temperature.

While Tesla's are pricey and not very common in most circles, the video is extremely impressive and worth watching. This is by far the most in-depth app we've seen demonstrated on the Watch, as Wong is able to use it to control nearly every function and feature of his vehicle.