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.

Some Verizon customers reportedly able to upgrade without losing unlimited data

Last summer, Verizon put an end to grandfathered unlimited data plans by forcing customers to move to one of their new Share Everything plans when they upgraded their smartphone at the subsidized price.

But within the last few days, several VZW customers have reported that they were able to upgrade to one of the new iPhone models either online or at a third-party retailer without losing their unlimited data...

Staples now carrying the iPad in the US

As expected, Staples has begun offering the iPad in its United States stores this weekend. You can now purchase Apple's popular tablet from both the retailer's online store and select brick-and-mortar locations.

Now for most people, this doesn't hold much significance—it's not like it's hard to find an iPad these days. But for Apple, this means that its tablet is now available to Staples' collection of corporate accounts...

New video offers detailed look at alleged iPad 5 shell

Apple's next-generation full-sized iPad is expected to sport a redesigned casing, similar to that of the iPad mini. It's said to be lighter and thinner than the iPad 4, with an overall smaller footprint.

And a new video surfaced this weekend that gives us a good idea of just how much the two tablets will differ in size, by comparing the measurements of an alleged iPad 5 shell with its predecessor...

In response to copycat claims, Samsung posts history of gold phones

Last week, Samsung beefed up its marketing efforts for the Gold Edition of its Galaxy S4 smartphone. The handset technically launched back in late August, but the timing of its new advertising push spawned some negative PR.

The company's highlighting of the gold S4 a week after Apple unveiled its gold iPhone brought about 'copycat' accusations—something the tech giant has been found guilty of on several occasions. But Samsung says that's not the case...

Apple to pay AT&T iPad 3G owners $40 in unlimited data lawsuit

In a ruling issued last week in San Jose, California, US District Judge Ronald Whyte green-lighted a plan for Apple to pay $40 to everyone in the US who purchased an iPad 3G before June 2010.

The decision comes in response to several class action suits waged against Apple and AT&T, accusing them of advertising an unlimited data plan, and then taking it away after they purchased their iPad...

Apple posts new iTunes Festival video ‘Moments’

There's only a few days left in the month, and that means that Apple's iTunes Festival is winding down. In fact, the show will come to a close on Monday, September 30 with a performance from Katy Perry.

To commemorate the event, Apple has tonight posted a short video to its YouTube channel entitled 'Moments,' which highlights a few of the 60 acts that took the stage in London over the past 30 days...

Apple to resume in-store iPhone 5s pickups next week

Apple extended its Personal Pickup service to the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c on Monday, enabling customers to check availability at their local Apple retailers and schedule in-store pickups for both of the handsets.

The service was particularly handy for 5s shoppers, given that initial supplies were very limited, and online shipping times quickly slipped to October. But without explanation, Apple pulled the option the following day...

Apple working with MLB on interactive Ballpark app

Apple has teamed up with Major League Baseball developers to enhance their 'MLB.com at the Park' app, according to a new report from Mashable. They're said to be working to create custom, interactive stadium experiences for fans.

The app, which has apparently been worked on by the pair since February, takes advantage of Apple's new iBeacon micro-location APIs in iOS 7 to provide users with info on their devices specific to where they're at in the ballpark...

Apple Maps team hiring Web UI designer for ‘secret project’

Apple has posted a new job listing today, calling for a Maps Web User Interface Designer. The inquiry asks that applicants be able to design, develop, and maintain complex front-end code for a new 'secret project.'

The position is located in Santa Clara Valley, California. And according to the listing, it's part of a smal team that is working on an advanced web platform that will be the backbone of many future Apple services...

New photos show alleged gold iPad mini 2 with Touch ID Home button

While it's still unclear if the next-gen iPad mini will sport a Retina display, it seems that it will feature a Touch ID Home button and gold color option. That is, if this pair of leaked photos showing the alleged tablet are to be believed.

The above image, and one we've posted right after the break, surfaced on Chinese site DoNews this morning. And as you can see, they show what appears to be a 7.9-inch iPad with a gold-colored shell and Apple's new fingerprint sensor...

Advisory committee asks FAA to relax restrictions on electronic device use

Good news frequent flyers, you may soon not have to worry about turning off your iPhone or iPad in airplanes anymore. The FAA advisory committee has recommended that electronic device restrictions on commercial aircraft be relaxed.

The special council, which was assigned to explore the effects of in-flight device usage, has met with the Federal Aviation Administration and is urging it to allow passengers to to use tablets and other electronics during takeoff and landing...

New report claims Retina iPad mini may not ship alongside iPad 5

Apple may not be planning to release an iPad mini with Retina display alongside its next-gen iPad 5 next month, according to a new report, which claims that there's little supply chain evidence suggesting otherwise.

The news comes from market research firm IHS iSuppi, who is reporting that while the iPad 5 looks to be on track for its expected October launch, manufacturing volumes for the Retina mini point toward a 2014 debut...