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 now locking App Store screenshots to cut down on scamming

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Have you ever downloaded an app on your iPhone or iPad, and it didn't look anything like the screenshots in the App Store? If so, you wouldn't be alone. Switching screenshots after Apple has approved an app has become a popular tactic for scammers.

But we have some good news this afternoon. Apple announced to developers today that, starting this week, all App Store screenshots will be locked after they are approved. And they'll stay that way until a developer submits a binary for an app update...

T-Mobile to start selling the iPhone in ‘three to four’ months

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Good news for T-Mobile subscribers looking to get their hands on the iPhone. In a new interview, the carrier's CEO John Legere says it will begin offering Apple's popular handset sooner rather than later.

Legere first confirmed that his company would be becoming an official iPhone partner, as well as eliminating device subsidies, this year, back in December. And now he sees both happening in the next 3-4 months...

CES 2013: Incipio announces NFC-enabled iPhone wallet

Cody Lee ∙ January 9, 2013

Like Griffin, Belkin and other iOS accessory powerhouses, Incipio turned up at CES this week to unveil a wide range of new products. Among them are a dual iPhone 5 car charger, and an iPhone case with a built-in tape measure.

Perhaps most interesting, though, is its new Cashwrap iPhone case. The thin case not only protects the handset from drops and other accidents, but it also gives it the ability to make NFC transactions using the Isis platform...

AT&T and Verizon also looking into ending device subsidies

Cody Lee ∙ January 8, 2013

Last month, T-Mobile confirmed that it was ending device subsidies ahead of its official iPhone launch. The carrier hopes that customers will buy into the idea, which has them paying full retail prices for mobile devices in exchange for lower monthly fees.

Well apparently, the idea has attracted the attention of the big wigs at Verizon and AT&T. According to a new report, CEO's from both companies are intrigued by the theory, and will be watching T-Mobile's experiment closely over the next several months...

Walmart to begin offering the iPhone 5 through Straight Talk this week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Walmart and Straight Talk Wireless have issued a press release announcing that starting this Friday, the retail giant will begin offering the iPhone 5 through the popular prepaid service. The phone will come with a $45 unlimited talk, text and data plan, and no contract. And Walmart will be offering special financing for those who can't pay for the device up front...

WSJ: Apple working on less expensive iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ January 8, 2013

As hard as we try, we just can't escape the ongoing 'iPhone nano' rumors. It seems that everyone in the tech industry is waiting on Apple to diversify its handset lineup and introduce a less expensive iPhone for prepaid and emerging markets.

In fact, we've already heard a report on the topic today from DigiTimes, who says that their sources have actually seen the low-cost smartphone. And this afternoon, The Wall Street Journal throws its hat into the ring with its own scoop...

Microsoft actually applauds Windows RT jailbreak

Cody Lee ∙ January 8, 2013

This is kind of interesting. Earlier this week, Microsoft's new Windows RT was jailbroken for the first time. The operating system was hacked to run unsigned, arm-based desktop applications using a memory exploit.

Surprisingly, the Redmond-based software company commented on the news yesterday, saying that it actually applauded the efforts of those involved in the jailbreak, and all of the work they did to document it...

The MAUZ turns your iPhone into the ultimate computer mouse

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 23, 2018

Thanks to the introduction of the App Store, we've had the ability to turn our iPhones into computer mice for quite some time now. Off the top of my head I can think of several apps that do this, including Mobile Mouse and Touch Mouse by Logitech.

But none of them can do what the team at Spicebox is claiming their new MAUZ accessory can do. The peripheral connects to your iPhone via the dock connector, and gives you motion and gesture-based control over computers and other gadgets...

eBay app updated with more streamlined listing process and more

Cody Lee ∙ January 8, 2013

Popular auction site eBay updated its iOS client last night, bringing the app to version 2.7. The renewed app features several changes and enhancements, including an improved photo flow with new editing tools, and speedier checkouts.

But if, like me, you're in the habit of selling your old Apple gadgets to help pay for new ones, you'll be really excited to see what they've done with the listing process. Posting things for sale on the site from your iPhone just got a lot faster...

CES 2013: Crayola’s Light Marker for iPad lets you paint in the air

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 28, 2016

CES didn't officially start until today, but we've already seen a plethora of new mobile products and accessories. We've told you about smart watches and smart forks, and even smart automobiles. And now we have something for the kids.

Crayola, easily one of the most recognizable names in art supplies, has teamed up with iOS appendage-maker Griffin to create the Light Marker, a marker-shaped stylus that can draw on an iPad without having to touch the screen...

CES 2013: Canopy’s Sensus case adds touch controls to the back of your iPhone

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

As CES marches on, it's getting tougher and tougher to keep up with all of the different iOS accessory announcements. But we're trying. Earlier today we saw the Hapifork from Hapilabs, and Griffin's PowerDock, and now we've got an interesting case to show you.

The Sensus iPhone case, from Canopy, is very unique in that it has a 10-point touch sensor across the back, and built into the sides of it. This enables users to interact with applications and perform other tasks without actually touching the handset's display...

IDEO founder David Kelley talks Steve Jobs, his first iPhone and more

Cody Lee ∙ January 7, 2013

This is kind of cool. David Kelley, the founder of IDEO, an international design firm and innovation consultancy, spoke with CBS' 60 Minutes last night about a wide range of things, including his close relationship with Steve Jobs.

IDEO played a big role in early Apple, designing its first Mouse, the Lisa, and more. And naturally, this bore a friendship between the two founders, giving Kelley some great Jobs stories—particularly one about his first iPhone...