A common frustration for some Apple users has been that Apple does not allow the merging of Apple IDs, with some users struggling with services spread over multiple logins. MacRumors reports, however, that Apple may be about to change that, as they anticipate more users having problems with multiple Apple IDs as the release of iOS 5 and iCloud approach.
Many users are frustrated because they have created a new Apple ID over time, only to find that they are tied to the old account due to having already made purchases using that Apple ID. Other users have created a new Apple ID for MobileMe or iCloud, only to find that they now have difficulties toggling between their two accounts.
One of the main concerns is for users that use Automatic Downloads in iTunes or on their devices. Using Apple’s Automatic Downloads can be a real headache since Apple locks devices to a single Apple ID for a period of 90 days, preventing easy switching between accounts. Apple’s traditional answer in these cases is that they cannot merge multiple Apple IDs.
MacRumors has received information, however, that Apple is aware of the issue, and that Apple may be working on a solution for the problem. According to the report, a MacRumors reader sent an email to
Tim Cook about the issue, and quickly received a phone call from an Apple executive relations employee. She had spoken to the team responsible for Apple IDs and acknowledged that they understood the issue and that more people would run into the problem with iCloud. She also repeated that there is no way yet to combine accounts but revealed they are working on it. In the meantime, she recommended picking a single account to plan on keeping indefinitely and to make all future purchases on that account.
While this is by no means a confirmation of any kind, frustrated users may find hope in the possibility that Apple may change this policy in the near future. It’s certainly make things easier for many of Apple’s customers.
