multiple Apple IDs

[musukosan]

So we just became a multi-Mac household. I was able to convince my wife that she needed to replace her broke Sony laptop with a MBA. Nice addition to my 2009 iMac.

My wife setup her MBA with her own Apple ID. When I created my own username on it, I used MY Apple ID. Since we are using two different Apple IDs, I have come across a few questions.

Can I install apps that I have downloaded/bought on my iMac to the MBA with my Apple ID?

Can I install apps with my Apple ID, period? Assuming I have admin password.

If so, will they show up under her account (on the MBA)?

When installing new apps and updating existing ones, does it matter which Apple ID we use?

Finally, is using multiple Apple IDs in one household recommended? Part of the reason she has her own is because she shops the Japanese store.

Thanks for the help.

 

[ScoobyMcDoo]

Why don't you just give is a shot and let us know how it works. My guess is you will be able to install apps from either of your apple IDs and both of you will be able to use all of the installed apps. However I'm betting only the apple ID which installed the app will be able to update the app.

 

[musukosan]

Ok, so I've had some time to play around and found a few things out. Before I made this thread I was getting an error from the App store when trying to install apps to the MBA from my Apple ID. That is what lead me to ask the question in the first place. Turns out that error was just a fluke and had nothing to do with what I was trying to do. So, here is what I found out.

• 
  I can install apps I bought on my iMac, through the App Store, on to the MBA when logged into my username attached to my Apple ID.

• Other users (my wife) can access the apps, from their account, that I installed from my account from the App Store.

• Update of apps through the App Store can only be applied by the account that first installed them.

All in all, it's not too bad. I'm really happy I don't have to buy apps again that I would like to put on the MBA and my wife can still use them. It's not as complicated as I was first worried about and I think having multiple Apple ID's in one household is definitely manageable.