Merging Apple IDs?

[puma1552]

Can we do this yet?

I use my gmail account for everything now, but I actually have two old additional Apple IDs that I used to use for iTunes and app store purchases. Really tired of maintaining three, when two of them I haven't actively used in probably 7-8 years. I know Cook talked about them getting ready to do this years ago, can we do it yet? Would love to consolidate to one Apple ID.

 

[chscag]

As far as I'm aware, Apple still does not allow Apple IDs to be merged together. The reason they don't allow it may be for security.

 

[HDFan]

Unfortunately iTunes purchases are tied to the appleID which purchased it due to licensing issues. You can set up multiple ID's with family sharing which can help a bit. When I get a software update on my Mac if it was purchased with another ID I (usually!) am prompted to sign in using the ID which purchased the item.

 

[Starfia]

I dug in this year to check on that – unfortunately nothing yet.

 

[puma1552]

Thanks guys, what a drag.

 

[anthony13]

Bump because I’m still annoyed they promised this years ago and never came through. All my iTunes purchases are with my gmail (because that log in pre-dated @me) while all my iCloud information is with my @me address.

 

[chscag]

Apple will likely never allow the merging of Apple IDs because of security concerns and fraud. I agree it's a pain to have to wrangle two Apple IDs but you'll just have to deal with it.

 

[ThrowerGB]

I dug in this year to check on that – unfortunately nothing yet.

I found the same thing in a discussion with the support line. It’s a real bummer. But given all the problems with Family Sharing I’m glad they haven’t allowed merging yet.
What burns me up is the more general (not just Apple) problem of requiring people to use an email address as a user id. Makes it difficult to ever change ones email address.

 

[chrfr]

What burns me up is the more general (not just Apple) problem of requiring people to use an email address as a user id. Makes it difficult to ever change ones email address.

You can change your Apple ID. If you're using a 3rd party email address, you can change the Apple ID to another 3rd party address. If you're using an @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com email address then you're not able to change the Apple ID completely. I did this to move my Apple ID from a Gmail address to a personal domain.
So, while you can't get entirely away from an email address as an identifier, you can change that address.
Apple has a document here: https://support.apple.com/HT202667