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On Second Thought, Apple IDs Won't Be Merging Anytime Soon

On Second Thought, Apple IDs Won't Be Merging Anytime Soon

October 14, 2011
Despite news in September to the contrary, Apple isn’t expected to offer a way for iTunes users to consolidate Apple IDs. At least this is the word from Apple CEO Tim Cook, who recently responded to a customer’s email about the issue. Many of us have been there; for whatever reason we’ve created and maintained multiple IDs for use in the Apple ecosystem. Want to merge those IDs? Apple doesn’t allow it. In fact, this problem has gotten more frustrating with the introduction of Apple’s new iCloud system. According to MacRumors, this restriction will continue. Apparently Cook responded to a customer’s email recently, by simply referring them to a support document available on Apple’s website. This document states:
Can I merge multiple Apple IDs into one? You cannot merge two or more Apple IDs into a single one. You can, however, use one Apple ID for iCloud services and another Apple ID for store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match). See “Using one Apple ID for iCloud and a different Apple ID for Store Purchases” above for details.
In other words, don’t plan on merging your many Apple IDs anytime soon. However, there is hope. Check out these two recent articles from our AppAdvice Team that should help you cope better with multiple IDs: How To Use iCloud In A Family Setting - Share Apps - But Not Contacts Republished: How To Transfer, Merge and Copy Data From One iCloud/MobileMe Account To Another

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