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.

CVS and Walgreens also said to support Apple’s new payment service

Cody Lee ∙ September 5, 2014

Recode reports that Apple has signed on the country's two largest pharmacy chains—CVS and Walgreens—to participate in its new mobile payment service. The company is expected to unveil the service, alongside two new iPhones, at a media event in Cupertino next week.

This is a big deal for a few reasons. For one, CVS and Walgreens have a combined total of over 15,000 retail locations, giving Apple's new payment service a significant initial footprint. And two, due to the nature of their business, they tend to see a high rate of transactions.

Renowned designer Marc Newson joining Apple’s design team

Cody Lee ∙ September 5, 2014

Vanity Fair is reporting this afternoon that world-famous designer Marc Newson will be joining Apple's design team. His exact role is unknown at this time, but he will be working closely with long-time friend Jony Ive, and his design team, to help shape future products.

The outlet says that Newson will continue to be based out of the United Kingdom, but he will frequently travel to Cupertino. The designer has in the past collaborated with Ive on design work for Apple, but today's announcement makes his input and participation official.

New report sets low expectations for iWatch battery life

Cody Lee ∙ September 5, 2014

The Information is out with a new scoop this afternoon, offering up some last-minute details on the so-called iWatch. Most of the report corroborates previous chatter, regarding what the device will look like and do, but it does bring a new topic to light: battery life.

According to the site's Jessica Lessin, people with knowledge of the project have set low expectations for the iWatch's battery life. These sources say that the uptime on the wearable will be "disappointing," although Lessin does say that Apple could be sandbagging.

Tim Cook speaks out on recent iCloud hacks, promises new security measures

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Tim Cook sat down with The Wall Street Journal today, but not to talk about how excited Apple is about next week's iPhone event. Instead, the CEO answered questions regarding the recent iCloud scandal, which led to the posting of dozens of nude celebrity photos earlier this week.

Apple has already released a statement on the matter, claiming that iCloud and its subsequent services had not been breached. Cook reiterated those claims today, and added that the Cupertino company plans to rollout a number of new security features to make its devices more safe.

‘The Photo Cookbook’ goes free as Apple’s App of the Week

Cody Lee ∙ September 4, 2014

Apple has named 'The Photo Cookbook - Quick & Easy' its App of the Week for this week. This means that from now through next Thursday, you’ll be able to pick up the popular app for both iPhone and iPad for free—a great savings of $4.

Showcased by Apple in one of its iPad TV ads, The Photo Cookbook shows you how to prepare for and cook various meals with hi-res photos. Each tutorial is made up of short, straightforward steps, and includes a shot of the finished dish.

Apple has reportedly negotiated lower transaction fees for mobile payments

Cody Lee ∙ September 4, 2014

Bank Innovation shares some new details on Apple's mobile payments project this afternoon, reporting the company has managed to negotiate deals for lower credit card transaction fees with several banking institutions. This includes JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Capital One, and Bank of America.

Citing sources familiar with the negotiations, the site says that the banks have all agreed to give Apple a flat transaction rate for both in-store and online purchases, which is fairly uncommon in the industry. They will also apparently give the Cupertino firm a 10% discount on all of its processing fees.

Apple supplier accused of forcing overtime and endangering workers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

An Apple supplier has once gain come under scrutiny for labor violations. Both Green America and China Labor Watch are reporting that Catcher, who is responsible for making iPad and MacBook casings for the company, is endangering and exploiting its workers.

At its factory in Suqian, China, Catcher is accused of failing to provide adequate protective equipment for employees handling toxic materials, and various other safety violations. The manufacturer is also charged with forcing overtime: 10+ hours per day, 6 days a week.

Apple to live stream September 9 iPhone event

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 10, 2017

Apple updated its website this afternoon to announce that it will be providing a live video stream of next week's iPhone event. On a new Live page at Apple.com, the company has posted a countdown timer that expires just before 10 am on September 9th.

We are expecting Apple to unveil two new iPhones during the event, at least one of which features NFC for a new mobile payment system. It's also believed that we'll finally see the firm's so-called iWatch, although rumor has it that it will just be a preview.

Infinity Blade III ‘Kingdom Come’ update is out with new maps, enemies and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

The highly anticipated Infinity Blade III 'Kingdom Come' update is now available in the App Store. This is not only the final content update for the popular game, but ChAIR says that it includes everything needed to bring the entire Infinity Blade trilogy to an end.

Among the additions in today's release are 6 new treasure maps, 5 new enemies to battle, and over 25 new items for both Isa and Siris to collect and sell. It also features new goals and achievements, and unlock-ability for Master Items has been raised to level 100.

U2 rumored to be on hand for Apple’s iPhone 6 event

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Some interesting rumors began bouncing around the tech world earlier today regarding popular Irish rock band U2 and Apple's big media event next week. The chatter has ranged from the iPhone 6 coming preloaded with the band's new album, to it performing live after the keynote.

Much of the speculation seems to stem from U2's secret video shoot in Dublin last week. According to The Sunday Times, the group closed down Samuel Beckett Bridge for the recording and placed black sheets around the set to prevent the public from seeing what they were shooting.

Jony Ive says “Switzerland’s in trouble” ahead of expected iWatch unveiling

Cody Lee ∙ September 3, 2014

After years of speculation, it's believed that Apple is finally ready to show off its new wearable device, dubbed the 'iWatch' by much of the media. And according to the company's senior vice president of design Jony Ive, the folks over in Switzerland are in trouble.

In a recent article on tech and fashion, The New York Times' Nick Bilton mentions that he spoke with Mr. Ive about the so-called iWatch. Obviously, the designer doesn't offer up an official comment on the secret project, but it's clear that he's very confident in it.

Apple shares drop 4% amidst iCloud security concerns

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Shares of Apple dropped 4% today, closing this afternoon at $98.94. That's the stock's worst percentage slump since late January, and its worst value since it began its march towards its highest price ever in early August.

The news comes amidst the recent iCloud scandal, in which Apple's cloud security was blamed for the leaking of several revealing celebrity photos, and ahead of the company's highly anticipated iPhone event next week.