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.

People begin lining up for the iPhone 6 ahead of next week’s announcement

Cody Lee ∙ September 3, 2014

The iPhone 6, or whatever Apple is going to call it, has yet to be announced, but there are already people lining up for the device. CNBC notes that at least 5 customers have already set up camp outside of Apple's flagship 5th Avenue Apple Store in New York City.

It's not uncommon to see folks lining up outside of Apple retailers ahead of a major product launch—last year folks began forming lines around September 6th. But this year, campers have taken it to a new level, with some showing up before the month even began.

China Mobile begins taking iPhone 6 preorders

Cody Lee ∙ September 3, 2014

Apple's next-generation smartphone hasn't been announced yet, but that didn't stop China Mobile from putting it up for sale. China Daily is reporting that the carrier, which is the largest in the world, has opened up preorders for the so-called iPhone 6.

Since early yesterday, CM subscribers in Beijing have been able to reserve both a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone model. Details, such as prices and storage capacities are unknown, and customers are not being offered images of the handsets or release dates.

Apple updates App Store guidelines with new rules for HealthKit and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple posted an update this evening for its App Store review guidelines—a set of instructions for third-party developers on what iOS apps may or may not contain. Tonight's refresh adds rules for upcoming iOS 8 features such as extensions, HealthKit and HomeKit.

Most of the changes are only pertinent to developers, but there are a few things worth mentioning. Perhaps the most important item, in light of recent events, is that Apple says apps using the HealthKit framework that store user health data in iCloud will be rejected.

Apple reportedly discussing mobile payment service with Nordstrom

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Financial blog Bank Innovation is reporting this afternoon that Apple is in talks with upscale fashion retailer Nordstrom to be one of the early merchant partners for its new mobile system, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions.

It may even already be a done deal. Citing anonymous Nordstrom employees, the outlet says that the department store chain updated its POS (point of sale) terminals a few weeks ago in order to be compatible with the "most recent" iPhone models.

Apple sending out AppleSeed invites for Windows iCloud beta

Cody Lee ∙ September 2, 2014

Apple has begun sending out invitations to AppleSeed members this afternoon for a new iCloud for Windows Beta. Introduced at WWDC in June, the app includes iCloud Drive, a new feature that allows you to store and access any file type from any iOS device, Mac or PC.

AppleSeed members who receive the invites must have a PC running Windows 7 or later to participate in the beta, and must accept the terms and conditions. Those who receive the invitation but don't meet the aforementioned requirements can simply ignore the e-mail.

Apple confirms celeb photo leak was the result of a “very targeted attack,” not an iCloud breach

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

In a statement this afternoon, Apple provided an update for its ongoing investigation into the alleged iCloud hack that resulted in a massive leak of hundreds of revealing celebrity photos. The company says it has determined the scandal was not the result of a breach in iCloud or any subsequent services.

Instead, Apple says it discovered that certain celebrity accounts were compromised by a very targeted attack on user names, passwords and security questions, a practice that "has become all too common on the Internet." The firm says it continues to work with law enforcement to help identify the attackers.

Apple ‘actively investigating’ alleged iCloud hack that led to celeb photo leak

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

After nearly 24 hours of silence, Apple has finally commented on the alleged iCloud hack that led to a massive leak yesterday of nude celebrity photos. The Cupertino-based company says that it is aware of the reports and is "actively investigating" the claim.

"We take user privacy very seriously and are actively investigating this report," Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris told Recode in a statement. She did not, however, provide any additional details on the attack, or if iCloud was even the source of the photos.

Hacker leaks dozens of nude celebrity pics in alleged iCloud hack

Cody Lee ∙ August 31, 2014

Twitter, Reddit and several other social networks are blowing up this evening with talk of a major nude celebrity photo leak. The trove first appeared on 4chan's /b/ thread earlier today, and it includes Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence and several others.

The pictures were allegedly retrieved through a vulnerability in Apple's iCloud service, which allowed the celebrities’ phones to be hacked. Thus far, no one has confirmed that iCloud was actually breached, and few details are known about the attack, or the attacker.

The new Apple campus construction site, as seen from a drone

Cody Lee ∙ August 31, 2014

A new video surfaced last week, offering a great look at Apple's new 'spaceship' campus construction site. If you'll recall, Apple was given the green light by the Cupertino City Council last fall to start the project, and it appears that builders are already making serious headway.

Drone enthusiast 'jmcminn' uploaded the video to his YouTube channel, which was shot using a DJI Phantom 2 drone and a GoPro Hero. The clip is worth watching both from a technological standpoint (hello, it was shot with a consumer drone), and for the peek at Campus 2.

Apple strikes deals with American Express and MasterCard for new iPhone payments system

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Recode is reporting this morning that Apple has struck a deal with American Express, to work together on its new iPhone payments system. Citing sources familiar with the talks, the site says AmEx is just one of the many credit card firms the company has been talking to for the project.

Apple's new payments system is expected to allow iPhone 6 owners to pay for things at brick-and-morter stores using the handset. It's believed that the system will utilize NFC technology, and Recode's sources say that Apple's Touch ID tech will be involved in the process at some point.

New Snapchat update allows you to follow live events via Stories

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

Snapchat pushed out an interesting update for its mobile apps today, bringing the iOS client to version 7.0.6. Though the change log in the App Store only mentions 'improvements and bug fixes,' what went on behind the scenes is actually fairly significant.

Users will notice a new 'Live' section in the app, courtesy of Our Stories, a product Snapchat introduced during the summer that lets anyone contribute snaps to a single story. With Live, users will be able to follow events as they unfold, from various angles.

AT&T offering $100 bill credit for customers that sign up for Next

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

AT&T announced this afternoon that, starting today, both new and existing subscribers are eligible for a $100 bill credit when activating a new line of service with a smartphone on Next—AT&T's upgrade program that allows customers to get new devices on installment plans.

More specifically, the Next program allows qualifying customers to get a new mobile device for $0 down, without upgrade or activation fees, and no annual contract. The cost of the equipment is spread over a two-year term, which makes this $100 promo somewhat appealing.