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.

These templates will help you decide which iPhone 6 size is right for you

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

On its website, Apple says that the iPhone 6 is 5.44 inches (138.1 mm) tall, 2.64 inches wide and 0.27 inches thick. The larger iPhone 6 Plus is 6.22" x 3.06" x 0.28". These numbers are great, but they don't really give you a good idea of how big these devices actually are, so we decided to try something else.

Some templates have been floating around the web for the past few days, showing skeleton models of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus using the above dimensions. The idea is for you to print these models out and compare them to other items, and we thought a good point of reference for scale would be the iPhone 5s.

Apple to allow in-store pickups for iPhone 6 pre-orders

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

It looks like Apple will be giving folks who pre-order the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus the option to pick up their devices in-store, rather than having to wait for them to be shipped to their houses. The retail iPhone page on Apple's website invites users to pre-order the new handset, and choose to "have it shipped to you for free, or pick it up in store."

Taptaptap teases Camera+ 6 with manual controls and other new features

Cody Lee ∙ September 11, 2014

Ahead of the release of the new iPhone 6, and its upgraded camera, and iOS 8 with its various new features, Taptaptap has begun teasing a major update for Camera+. Called Camera+ 6, the update will bring about manual controls and several other new features.

The new manual controls are split into 2 groups: "Shutter Priority" and "Full Manual control." The former allows you to set your shutter speed, while the camera sets the ISO, and the latter allows you to customize both settings without any software intervention.

Bicolor goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ September 11, 2014

Folks who missed the opportunity to grab Bicolor when it was offered for free in the Apple Store app will be happy to hear that it's gone on sale again. Apple is offering the popular game for free from now through next Thursday as part of its App of the Week promotion.

For those unfamiliar with the title, Bicolor is a deceptively-complex puzzler that tasks players with solving 240 handmade puzzles. In each level you must figure out how to draw a path with one color, and then cover it up with another using the right amount of moves.

T-Mobile announces support for Wi-Fi calling on all new smartphones

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

During its 7.0 Un-carrier event today, T-Mobile announced plans for its new 'Wi-Fi Unleashed' initiative. As part of the campaign, the carrier says that it will support Wi-Fi calling and texting on all new smartphones, including the just-announced iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

This allows users to send and receive both calls and text messages over a Wi-Fi network, and is a highly sought after feature for folks in areas with poor cell service. T-Mobile says the feature will be free, and is offering upgrades to customers that don't have Wi-Fi devices.

Apple to use new Reservation Pass service for retail iPhone 6 launch

Cody Lee ∙ September 10, 2014

Apple is looking to utilize a new reservation system for customers lined up outside of its retail stores for the iPhone 6, reports 9to5Mac. According to the site, the company has been handing out training materials to employees for the new system, which is called "Reservation Pass."

Reservation Pass is described as a virtual queue of sorts, allowing Apple employees to manage crowds and stockpiles more efficiently on hectic launch days. The system tracks customer line position, and syncs with a store's inventory to make sure there are enough devices in stock.

Apple Watch security feature prevents thieves from making payments

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Leander Kahney of Cult of Mac reports today that the Apple Watch comes with a built-in security feature that disables Apple Pay in the event that it is stolen. Apparently the Watch can use its sensors to tell when it is being worn, and when it has been taken off.

Kahney says that during the hands-on time at Apple's event yesterday, an employee for the company told him that when you first put the watch on you, you must enter a security code. When the watch is removed, Apple Pay locks up until you enter the code again.

SwiftKey offers new details on upcoming iOS 8 keyboard

Cody Lee ∙ September 10, 2014

SwiftKey, a popular third-party Android keyboard, sent out an email to users today, offering up some new details on its plans for iOS 8. It's going to be called simply 'SwiftKey Keyboard,' and it will be available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch on September 17th—the same day that iOS 8 officially launches to the public.

Obviously, it won't be as option-packed as its older Android sibling initially, but many of your favorite features will be there. This includes auto-correction with customizable dictionary, next-word prediction based on your writing style, and SwiftKey Flow, which allows you to type by swiping your finger from letter to letter.

Apple reveals new iCloud pricing on storage plans up to 1TB

Cody Lee ∙ September 10, 2014

At some point during the craziness after yesterday's event, Apple quietly rolled out new iCloud storage plan pricing. In an update to the iCloud section on its website, the company posted pricing for storage plans ranging from 5GB to 1TB.

As before, customers will continue to get 5GB of storage for free, with 20GB of additional storage available for $0.99 per month. 200GB of storage will cost you $3.99 per month, 500GB $9.99, and the 1TB plan costs $19.99 per month.

Everything you need to know about iPhone 6, Apple Pay and Apple Watch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Well, that’s all folks. The 'historic' iPhone 6 event has come, and gone. All announcements have been made, all products unveiled, and we finally got to see what was in the mysterious white structure Apple built outside of the Flint Center.

A lot has happened in the last 12 hours, and we understand that it might have been difficult to keep track of everything. So, as usual, we’ve put together this awesome roundup for you of everything important that happened at today's event.

Hands on with iPhone 6, Apple Pay and Apple Watch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

So you've watched Apple's keynote, and you've been keeping up with the news today, but thus far you've only seen the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch from either afar or in marketing materials. Sure, the products look good in rendered photos, but what do they look like up close and personal?

Select journalists were given the chance to go hands on with the aforementioned products after the event today, and have posted videos of their initial reactions. So naturally, we've rounded up some of those clips of folks trying out the iPhone 6, Apple Pay and Apple Watch for you below.