Having multiple Apple IDs? You’re not PC Free! [Restrictions]

This might disappoint many of the users on iOS 5 beta right now, but believe me, it’s true. I am constantly exploring the iOS 5 for the past few weeks and I’ve already reported many new features and some limitations that iOS 5 has got on iPhone 3Gs and many more in my previous posts! But now, I have been exploring more about the iCloud and existing Apple ID integration. And recently found that there’s a restriction that’s been imposed on new users. 

We must accept, iCloud will make your device “stand-alone” without a PC or a Mac needing it to sync. But this is only for the users with one Apple ID associated with their devices.

If you are a user with one or more Apple IDs associated across your devices, you are going to be in some trouble trying to figure out why you can’t make iCloud work fully on your iDevice.

[alert_box icon=”No”] What has changed with iCloud and Multiple Apple ID? [/alert_box]

With the release of iCloud, Apple has now put on a new rule that only one Apple ID can be associated with your iPhone/iPad/iPod per device. Here are a few pointers that I thought I “must” share with my readers.

Note: One of your Apple ID will still be connected with iCloud. And you will enjoy the features of iCloud only on that account. You will be able to update and purchase apps only on that account, which is associated with iCloud.

[alert_box type=”Error” icon=”No”] What will you miss on iCloud? [/alert_box]

• You can use only ONE Apple ID at a time.
• If you are having one or more Apple IDs, you will not be able to update or purchase your Apps on your iDevice.
• You will not be able to switch off your iCloud Mail. This seems to be a bug at this point of time, but still, it’s bad.
• No music downloads or syncing via iCloud.
• No iBooks syncing.
• You still need iTunes to update and purchase apps and sync with your iDevice.
• You cannot associate your device or computer with another Apple ID, for 90 days.

[alert_box type=”Success”] What will you enjoy on iCloud? [/alert_box]

• You will have your Contacts, Calendars and Reminders intact. There will not be any deletion of these settings.
• One of your account will still be associated with iCloud.

[alert_box type=”General”] What about MacApp Store? [/alert_box]

Looks like Mac App Store is not affected by this multiple Apple ID and iCloud issue. We need to wait until Lion comes out.

Bottom-line:

I’m still not sure of why Apple has brought in this restriction system into iCloud. But still, we must be happy that atleast one of the Apple ID will be associated with the iCloud ID and will still work.

I’m trying to find some method to check if there is a workaround for this. I will keep you posted about this to you as and when I find it. Subscribe to my RSS or follow me on twitter (@ImKarthikK) to get the latest updates about this issue!