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.

Apple airs new holiday commercial “The Song”

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Apple today began airing a new holiday-themed commercial entitled "The Song." The spot showcases products from all of the company's major device lines, including a MacBook Air, iPhone and iPad, and how they can be used to create "thoughtful, emotional gifts."

More specifically, the ad shows a woman using her MacBook Air and GarageBand to record herself singing along with a recording of her grandmother from several years ago. She then presents the song to her on an iPad, as a gift, and as you can imagine, it's a big hit.

iDB holiday gift guide: Cody’s picks

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

It’s gift-giving season again, and iDB is back with its annual Holiday Gift Guide. So for those of you panicking because you still haven't figured out what to get that special someone, never fear, we have come up with some excellent suggestions for you.

I personally tend to do a lot of research when buying things for myself, to ensure that I get the best value for my money, and this is definitely reflected in my gift-giving. Below, you’ll find a list of a few things I think would make excellent gifts this year.

Apple seeds third OS X 10.10.2 beta to developers

Cody Lee ∙ December 12, 2014

Apple has seeded the third beta of OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 this morning. The update, labeled build 14C81f, is available through the Update tab in the Mac App Store and the Dev Center for all registered Mac developers.

Today’s release comes just over a week after the second 10.10.2 beta, and Apple has once again asked developers to focus their testing on Wi-Fi connectivity—a long-standing Yosemite issue—as well as Mail and VoiceOver.

‘Space Qube’ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Apple has named the retro-futuristic 3D shooter 'Space Qube' its App of the Week for this week. This means that you'll be able to pick up the title for both your iPhone and iPad, for free through next Thursday—a solid savings of $2.99.

In Space Qube, players are tasked with helping Space Jack in his campaign to save the universe. They are given the opportunity to build their own custom spaceship, and then must blast their way through levels of dangerous monsters.

Apple launching cellular iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 models in China this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple today announced that cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 will be available in China this week. Wi-Fi only models of the two tablets have been in the country since launch, but the cellular editions had to be approved by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The two new iPads will support TD-LTE and FDD-LTE standards, as well as TD-SCDMA, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+ and other network technology. Prices will begin at 4,488 (RMB) for the 16GB iPad Air 2, 3,788 (RMB) for the 16GB iPad mini 3, and top out at 5,888 (RMB) for the 128GB iPad Air 2.

United Airlines outfitting over 20,000 flight attendants with iPhone 6 Plus

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

United Airlines announced today that it plans to equip its flight attendants with Apple's iPhone 6 Plus next year. The airline says that the move will put important safety and service information at flight attendants' fingertips and enhance their ability to meet customers' needs.

Attendants will be using the handsets for a number of tasks, including onboard retail transactions for food, drink and other purchases. They'll also be used for accessing important info via email and the United Airlines Intranet, as well as their policy and procedure manuals.

Apple seeds second iOS 8.2 beta to developers

Cody Lee ∙ December 10, 2014

Apple this morning posted the second beta of iOS 8.2 for developers. The release comes nearly three weeks after the first 8.2 beta, and follows yesterday's public launch of iOS 8.1.2, which brought about a fix for disappearing ringtones.

The new 8.2 beta can be downloaded either over-the-air, or via Apple's developer portal, by all registered iOS developers. It's unknown what new features the firmware will bring, but beta one enabled support for Apple's WatchKit platform.

Natalie Portman passes on Jobs biopic, Jeff Daniels being considered for role

Cody Lee ∙ December 9, 2014

Natalie Portman has decided to pass on the upcoming Steve Jobs biopic, according to a new report from Variety. Portman was said to be in talks for a lead female role in the movie, either as Jobs' daughter Lisa or former Mac marketing chief Joanna Hoffman.

Additionally, The Wrap reports today that Universal Pictures is eyeing Jeff Daniels for the role of former Apple CEO John Sculley. If he signs on to the project, Daniels would join fellow Newsroom alumni in writer Aaron Sorkin and producer Scott Rudin.

Apple releases iOS 8.1.2 with fix for missing ringtone bug and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 15, 2023

Apple has released iOS 8.1.2 this afternoon with a handful of bug fixes and other improvements. Specifically, the release notes say the update addresses an issue where ringtones purchased through the iTunes Store may have disappeared from users' devices.

You can access the new firmware over the air via Settings > General > Software Update, or via iTunes by connecting your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to a computer. But as usual, we recommend that users who are jailbroken, or plan to jailbreak, avoid the update for now.

Apple introduces new ‘Change’ iPad Air 2 ads

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Apple today introduced two new iPad Air 2 ads. The two clips began airing today during NFL broadcasts, and are both variations of a one minute video Apple posted on its website this weekend as part of its new 'Change' iPad campaign.

The new commercials differ from the previous 'Your Verse' spots, which each told stories of how various people used their iPads. Instead, the 'Change' ads each demonstrate how a variety of people use their tablets in unconventional ways.

Apple adds 9 new Flyover locations to Maps

Cody Lee ∙ December 5, 2014

Apple this week added a handful of new locations to the 3D Flyover feature in its iOS and OS X Maps applications. The new locations include areas in France, landmarks in Arizona, and other popular spots in the US, New Zealand and Sweden.

First introduced in Apple Maps when it launched alongside iOS 6 in 2012, the Flyover feature allows users to take close-up, 3-dimensional looks at buildings, landmarks and other areas. With today's additions, there are over 100 Flyover locations.

IGN names ‘Kingdom Rush Frontiers’ its free Game of the Month

Cody Lee ∙ December 5, 2014

Good news gamers, IGN has named Ironhide Game Studio's ‘Kingdom Rush Frontiers’ its Free Game of the Month for December. The game is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in the App Store, from over 5,000 reviews, and it typically retails for $2.99.

For those unfamiliar with the title, Kingdom Rush Frontiers is the second installment in Ironhide's highly regarded tower defense series. In it, players are tasked with defending their buildings in exotic lands from dragons and other enemies.